Daily Readings - Sat Dec 14 2019

The readings today invite us to reflect on the lives of two great figures: the prophet Elijah and John the Baptist. In the first reading from Sirach, Elijah is portrayed as a fiery prophet whose words and actions were powerful instruments of God’s will. He brought famine, called down fire from heaven, and was eventually taken up in a whirlwind of fire—a sign of his unique role in God’s plan. The passage highlights Elijah’s mission to restore balance and reconcile the people with God, emphasizing his transformative impact on Israel. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about Elijah in response to their question about why the scribes believed Elijah must come before the Messiah. Jesus reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, though the people failed to recognize him. This connection between Elijah and John the Baptist underscores the continuity of God’s plan and the recurring theme of preparation for the Messiah. Just as Elijah was rejected and suffered, so too did John the Baptist—and so would Jesus himself. These readings remind us that God often works through unexpected and unrecognized ways. Like Elijah and John the Baptist, we are called to be prophets in our own time, preparing the way for the Lord by living with integrity, speaking the truth, and remaining faithful even in the face of rejection. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to recognizing God’s messengers in our lives? Do we have the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult? May we learn from Elijah and John the Baptist to trust in God’s plan and to embrace our role in bringing His light to the world.