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| HOUSE OF SEALTHIEL CONSTRUCTION December 16, 2019 |
“Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him
but did to him whatever they pleased.
So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
MATTHEW 17:12
From the very beginning, one reason some very important people did not recognize the Christ Child is that they weren’t expecting a child, and they certainly weren’t expecting a child from the working class. They were looking for someone already honored and influential.
Today, the Lord calls upon us to let go of our preconceived notions and be open to the mystery of God. Let us open our life to the path that God shows us and say yes to His will. Let is recognize Jesus in His acts of mercy and compassion, and show the same love to others.
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:9, 10-13)
The prophet Elijah is a man of God and a man of faith who trusted in the Lord. He prophesied of future things and wielded heaven's sword. People waited for his return, who will prepare the way for Christ, who will make his people learn, who will restore all things to God, who will end the age of strife, who will herald the day of the Lord, and who will share in his glory and life. Let us look forward to the day of the Lord, when Jesus will come again in glory and power (Malachi 4:5-6).
In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; by the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship. (Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11)
Jesus makes you strong by giving you His grace, His love, and His Spirit. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. He promises to be with you always and to help you overcome any challenges you may face.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power. 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (Psalm 80:2, 3, 15-16, 18-19)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). God loves us deeply. He is full of mercy. So He gave us new life because of what Christ has done. He gave us life even when we were dead in sin. (Eph 2:4-5)
Jesus, You hold everything together by your power. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I recognize You as my Lord and Savior. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe in You and receive Your grace. I follow You and obey Your commands. You are my everything and my all, my joy and my peace, my love and my Lord! Amen.
Pericope:
V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church
THE COMING OF ELIJAH
Matthew 17:9-13
II. Eulogy of the heroes of Israel and some of the Patriarchs
ELIJAH AND ELISHA
Sirach 48:1-16
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
PRAYER TO RESTORE GOD'S VINEYARD
Psalm 80:1-20
Reflection Source:
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