Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 14, 2024
First Reading: Sirach 48.1-4, 9-11
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Psalm 80
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us!3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!4O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?5You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure.6You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.9You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its branches to the sea and its shoots to the River.12Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?13The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.14Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,15the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.16They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face!17But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!18Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name!19Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! let your face shine, that we may be saved!
Gospel: Matthew 17.10-13
10And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?"11He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things.12But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands."13Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter the prophetic figure of Elijah and the connection drawn to John the Baptist in the Gospel. The first reading from Sirach vividly describes Elijah as a fiery prophet whose words burned like a torch, bringing both judgment and restoration. His dramatic ascension in a whirlwind of fire underscores God's power and Elijah's unique role in Israel's history. This passage, from a wisdom book emphasizing Jewish virtues, highlights Elijah's impact and the blessings of those who knew him.
The Gospel of Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who connects Elijah to John the Baptist. After the Transfiguration, where Elijah appears alongside Moses, Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in John, preparing the way for the Messiah. This link illustrates the continuity of God's plan, where prophets like John fulfill their roles, often unrecognized, leading to suffering similar to what Jesus would endure. This passage, part of a Gospel written for Jewish-Christians, shows Jesus as the fulfillment of scripture.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded to discern God's messengers in our lives, much like Elijah and John. In our daily lives, we must remain open to the Spirit's work through others, even when they come unexpectedly. The moral lesson here is one of humility and discernment—recognizing that God uses diverse individuals to further His plan. As we navigate our own journeys, may we embrace the prophets in our midst, listening to their call to repentance and renewal, just as Elijah and John did. Let us strive to be attentive to God's voice, whether through scripture or through others, and to respond with faith and humility.