Saturday, December 13 – “Elijah Has Already Come”

Scripture

“Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the

Baptist.” Matthew 17:9a, 10–13

Reflection

As Jesus descends from the mountain of Transfiguration, He speaks of Elijah, the

prophet of fire, and reveals that John the Baptist fulfilled that role. Yet just as Elijah was

persecuted, so too will the Son of Man suffer. The glory of the mountain leads to the cross.

Advent’s light is never detached from the shadow of the Passion. The Child of

Bethlehem comes to redeem through suffering love. To follow Him is to share in that

mystery, to be purified, like Elijah’s fire, that our witness may shine more brightly.

As members of the EOHSJ, this passage echoes the call to faithful endurance. The

defense of the faith, the care for the Holy Land, the daily carrying of one’s cross, these are

modern echoes of Elijah’s and John’s prophetic mission. The disciple must expect

difficulty, but never lose heart: the Lord is near, and His glory will not fail.

Prayer

Lord, grant me the courage of the prophets, the endurance of John, and the faith to

see Your light even through the cross. Amen.

Meditation Question

How can I bear witness to Christ amid opposition or difficulty, as John and Elijah

did?