An Advent Journey of Recognition
Scripture Passage
Mt 17:9a, 10-13
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.
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Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Recognition:
To see beyond the surface: Pray for the grace to see Christ in the unexpected, to recognize Him in the ordinary and the marginalized, just as He was present in John the Baptist. Ask to be freed from any preconceived notions or expectations that might hinder your ability to perceive God at work.
Reflection
Descending the mountain, the disciples’ question hangs in the air, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus’ answer, veiled in prophetic language, reveals a truth both profound and poignant: “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.”
This Advent, as we anticipate the coming of our Trinitarian God, this exchange on the mountaintop invites us into a deeper reflection on the nature of recognition and the mystery of God’s presence in our midst.
The scribes, steeped in the prophecies of old, awaited the return of Elijah as a precursor to the Messiah. Yet, when Elijah appeared in the form of John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the wilderness, they failed to recognize him. Blinded by their expectations, they missed the fulfillment of the prophecy unfolding before their very eyes.
How often do we, like the scribes, cling to our preconceived notions, our rigid interpretations, and miss the subtle ways God is working in our lives? How often do we fail to recognize the Christ in the stranger, the marginalized, the suffering?
The coming of our Trinitarian God is not always a grand spectacle, a dramatic display of power and glory. It is often a quiet whisper, a gentle nudge, a subtle invitation. It is the Father’s loving hand guiding us through the trials of life, the Son’s compassionate presence in the brokenhearted, the Spirit’s gentle whisper stirring our souls.
This Advent, let us cultivate a spirit of attentiveness, an openness to the unexpected. Let us pray for the grace to see beyond the surface, to recognize the divine presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary.
John the Baptist, the Elijah who came, prepared the way for the Messiah through a message of repentance and radical conversion. He called for a turning away from sin, a turning towards God. This Advent, let us heed his call, examining our hearts and seeking forgiveness for the ways we have fallen short.
Let us remember that the coming of Christ is not just a past event but an ongoing reality. He comes to us each day in the Eucharist, in the Scriptures, in the faces of those around us. May we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the hearts to respond.
As we descend the mountain of our own spiritual journeys this Advent, let us carry with us the wisdom of Jesus’ words. Let us be attentive to the whispers of the Spirit, recognizing the divine dance unfolding in our lives. And may we, with open hearts and minds, welcome the coming of our Trinitarian God.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Understanding Jesus’ Heart
The Journey of Understanding: The disciples’ gradual understanding of Jesus’ words highlights the ongoing nature of discipleship. This reminds you that growing in intimacy with Jesus is a journey of learning, questioning, and deepening your understanding of His teachings.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post