1st READING
In the Book of Sirach as well as in the prophecy of Malachi, it is foretold that the prophet Elijah would return to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. This coming was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, the forerunner to Christ. Those who accepted John’s words were truly blessed as they were the ones who accepted the message of Christ and able to enter into eternal life through faith in Him.
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
1 In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. 2 Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; 3 by God’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. 4 How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? 9 You were taken aloft in a whirlwind, in a chariot with fiery horses. 10 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. 11 Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
P S A L M
Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth 3 Rouse your powers. (R) 15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R) 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (R)
G O S P E L
The disciples are aware of the Old Testament promise that Elijah had to come before the coming of the Messiah, and they ask Jesus about this. Jesus tells them that this promise was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist. But the people did not recognize that this was the case. No doubt they were expecting a prophet different from John. May we, too, not miss what God is doing because it does not fit in with our preconceived ideas of what should happen.
ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Matthew 17:9, 10-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 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.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
my reflections
t h i n k : May we not miss what God is doing because it does not fit in with our preconceived ideas of what should happen.
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________
T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Philippians 1-4
No comments:
Post a Comment