Daily Readings - Sat Dec 10 2022

In today’s readings, we encounter the figure of Elijah, a powerful prophet from the Old Testament, and the way he prefigures the coming of John the Baptist in the Gospel. The first reading from Sirach praises Elijah for his fiery zeal, his miracles, and his role in restoring the people’s relationship with God. The Gospel, however, shifts our focus to the present. Jesus explains to his disciples that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, though the people of his time failed to recognize him. This teaches us that God often works in ways that are unexpected and unseen to those who are not attentive. The connection between the two readings lies in the theme of preparation and purification. Elijah was sent to restore all things, to bring the people back to the Lord, and to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. Similarly, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the wilderness. Both figures remind us that our faith requires purification and readiness. Just as Elijah and John called their people to conversion, we too are called to examine our lives and turn away from sin. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I open to the ways in which God is working in my life, even if they are unexpected? Am I attentive to the prophets and messengers God sends to guide me? Let us strive to live with the same zeal and fidelity as Elijah and John the Baptist, trusting that God is always at work, even when we do not see it immediately. May we be purified by repentance and prepared to receive the Lord in our lives, just as Elijah and John prepared the way for the Messiah.