HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF ADVENT

Homily for Saturday of the 2nd week of Advent

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11;Matthew 17:10-13

"Do not be blind to the revelations of God"

The First reading speaks of one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament, the person of Prophet Elijah. Elijah means "My God is Yahweh". During the reign of King Ahab, he was popularly known to have defeated the prophets of Baal at mount Carmel, ending the Phoenician deity of fertility (1 Kings 16:29-34).

The first reading tells us today: "Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch" (Sirach 48:1).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, by the virtue of our common priesthood which has a prophetic role, and having consumed the word of God this morning,  we must like Elijah, all of us be afire with the Holy Spirit who was specially given to us at the sacrament of baptism and confirmation. We must be like burning torches by our word and example. We must reflect in our deeds the fruits of the Holy Spirit for the salvation of humanity. We must also do what Elijah did, which is to "turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Lk 1:17) for the second coming of the Lord.

In the Gospel reading, the disciples asked Jesus: "why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" (Mt 17:10). This was borne out of the prophecy of Malachi about the coming of Elijah before the coming of the Lord (Mal 4:5-6). Thus, at the transmigration of the Lord, "there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him" (Mt 17:3). The disciples felt this was a fulfilment of the prophecy, thus, the above question. 

Jesus responded: " But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but they did to him whatever they pleased" (Mt 17:12). Remember, the archangel Gabriel told Zachariah: "with the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (LK 1:17).  Hence, the appearance of Elijah at the Mount of transfiguration was not a fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi. The prophecy was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist. "See I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you" (Mt 11:10). 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, often God's promises are fulfilled in our lives but we do not know it because we are spiritually blind. Quite alright, they may not be fulfilled in the way we expect it or desire it but they are fulfilled in the way God planned it. Many atimes we cling to our own ideas and ways and not submit to the thoughts and plans of God. It is said that the error of man's thought often is the cause of our blindness to God's revelation. The Jews did not recognise John the Baptist as Elijah because they were bent on not changing their ways. Hence, remained blind. 

Friends in Christ, let us resolve to submit our will to the purposes of God and we shall see and understand his revelations. 

May God bless his words in our hearts both now and forever more. Amen

Have a fruitful day!

Fr. Remi Osj