Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 14, 2024
First Reading: Sirach 48.1-4, 9-11
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Psalm 80
1Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth2before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.3Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.4O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.6You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.7Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, 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, and it took root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.12Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?13Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it.14Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine,15the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself.16Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.17Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.18Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.19Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Gospel: Matthew 17.10-13
10The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"11Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.12But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands."13Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about 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.