The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept our prophetic role to call people back to deeper connection with God and the people in our environment.
The reading from the Book of Sirach praises the Prophet Elijah.
* [48:11] Verse 11b is not extant in the Hebrew; it is represented in the Greek tradition by “for we too shall certainly live.” But this can hardly be the original reading. (Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 80 is a prayer for Israel’s Restoration.
* [Psalm 80] A community lament in time of military defeat. Using the familiar image of Israel as a vineyard, the people complain that God has broken down the wall protecting the once splendid vine brought from Egypt (Ps 80:9–14). They pray that God will again turn to them and use the Davidic king to lead them to victory (Ps 80:15–19). (Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus connects the Coming of Elijah with John the Baptist.
* [17:9–13] In response to the disciples’ question about the expected return of Elijah, Jesus interprets the mission of the Baptist as the fulfillment of that expectation. But that was not suspected by those who opposed and finally killed him, and Jesus predicts a similar fate for himself. (Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)
John Shea S.J. asks who are the prophets among us?
Is it the famous actor or politician or the homeless man on the street we pass each day on our way to work? Do we hear the prophetic message in a profound song lyric or do commercial jingles distract us? Can we take time, in silence, to listen to the prophetic voices in our lives?
True prophets speak the truth in a way that challenges us to grow closer to God and to others. False prophets spread lies and half-truths that reject Jesus’ teachings. Pray that we may all discern the true prophetic voices in our lives this Advent. (Shea, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “John fulfills Elijah's prophetic ministry,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.
"They did not know this from the Scriptures, but the scribes used to tell them, and this saying was reported among the ignorant crowd, as also about Christ. Therefore the Samaritan woman also said, 'The Messiah is coming; when he comes, he will show us all things' (John 4:25). And they themselves asked John, 'Are you Elijah or the prophet?' (John 1:21). For this opinion was strong, as I said, both the one about Christ and the one about Elijah, but they did not interpret it as it should have been. For the Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, both this one that has taken place and the future one. Paul spoke of these when he said, 'For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world' (Titus 2:11-12).
"Behold the first advent, and listen to how he declares the coming advent: 'Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13). The prophets also mention both advents; of the one that is second they say that Elijah will be the forerunner; John was forerunner of the first, John whom Christ also called by the name Elijah, not because he was Elijah but because he was fulfilling Elijah's ministry. For just as Elijah will be the forerunner of the second advent, so John was of the first. But the scribes, confusing these things and perverting the people, mentioned that coming alone, the second one, to the people, and said, 'If this is the Christ, Elijah ought to have come first.' That is why the disciples also say, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 57.1) (Schwager, 2023)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 comments that the story of John the Baptist is more than a recounting of a historical figure. His message is meant for us as well while we prepare for Jesus’ coming at Christmas.
So how does the Lord want to soften your heart this Advent? For some, the holidays are marked by tension or fears of family conflict. Others face loneliness or heartache because of a broken relationship. Maybe it’s time to take a tangible step toward reconciling with someone. Maybe it’s time to ask God to show you the tender mercy in his heart so that your own heart can be changed. Jesus is always ready to heal and forgive. And he’s always ready to help us forgive as well.
“Lord, bring the grace of reconciliation to every wounded relationship!” (Meditation on Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Book of Sirach was written after the time of Alexander the Great and it takes the theme that Jewish wisdom is as great as Greek wisdom as it presents some of the heroes of Israel. The ministry of John the Baptist, like Elijah, included to turn the hearts of fathers to their sons. Most Scripture presents John the Baptist as the New Elijah, but Friar Jude notes some texts portray Jesus in this role.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces physician and teacher Rachel Naomi Remen who invites readers to a deeper commitment to soul and service. Much in life distracts us from our true nature, captures the Self in bonds of greed, desire, numbness, and unconsciousness. But every act of service is evidence that the soul is stronger than all that and can draw us toward it despite all.
Perhaps our greatest service is simply to find ways to strengthen and live closer to our goodness. This is far from easy. It requires an everyday attention, an awareness of all that diminishes us, distracts us, and causes us to forget who we are. But every act of service bears witness to the possibility of freedom for us all. And every time anyone becomes more transparent to the light in them, they will restore the light in the world.
Service is not the attribute of any one religion any more than holiness is. Many of those who serve life have no formal religion, while others follow any one of the many religious traditions on the face of this earth. All are a blessing to life. (Rohr, 2023)
As we consider our role to live our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader in our environment we are enlightened by the Spirit how to follow the tradition of Elijah and John the Baptist.
References
Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/17?9
Meditation on Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/12/16/849260/
Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2
Rohr, R. (2023, December 16). Moving Toward Greater Love: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/moving-toward-greater-love-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (2023, October 30). Elijah Must First Come. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=dec16
Shea, J. (2023, December 16). Daily Reflection of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Online Ministries. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/121623.html
Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 16, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/48?1
No comments:
Post a Comment