The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on our understanding of the gift of prophecy in our tradition and in our relationship with others.
The Reading from the Book of Sirach expresses the importance of Jewish heroes to subjects of Greek culture.
* [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 lament in time of military defeat.
* [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 addresses the Coming of Elijah.
* [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.
* [17:9] The vision: Matthew alone uses this word to describe the transfiguration. Until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead: only in the light of Jesus’ resurrection can the meaning of his life and mission be truly understood; until then no testimony to the vision will lead people to faith.
* [17:10] See notes on Mt 3:4; 16:14.
* [17:11–12] The preceding question and this answer may reflect later controversy with Jews who objected to the Christian claims for Jesus that Elijah had not yet come.
* [17:13] See Mt 11:14. (“Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB,” n.d.)
Suzanne Braddock comments that Jesus patiently, lovingly prepares her for the reality of necessary suffering, times of his seeming absence, the necessary hardships of life. The desert. Yet she still clings to the memory of the blessing of his presence and does not surrender totally to the times of darkness, but rather hopes in the remembrance of his triumph, his resurrection, his promises be with her always.
God’s promise to sing for me as one sings at festivals, to tenderly place me at his cheek as one does a child, to write my name on the palm of his hand. Yes, there will be suffering, but I cling to him and hope that eventually the clouds will part and reveal him. I will know him as he is.
How often I fail to recognize Jesus in the people I was raised to turn away from, in the crosses of my life, in the invitations to give of my time, talent, such as it is, my treasure. I fail to recognize him in the times of darkness and his seeming absence.
Maybe that darkness is but the shadow cast by his total closeness, like the hen who gathers her chicks in the shadow of her wings. (Braddock, n.d.)
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, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13 comments that John told the people to be alert because a new outpouring was on the horizon. But he didn’t just alert them; he sought to prepare them for it. It’s one thing to pay attention to the signs pointing to Jesus’ arrival. But it was another thing altogether to humble themselves and to repent so that they could be ready to receive him when he came.
How are you preparing for the coming of the Messiah? And not just for the child Jesus’ coming on Christmas, but for the Lord Jesus’ coming into your heart today? Every day can be a day of grace. Every day can bring a new outpouring of the Spirit: a new outpouring of forgiveness, perhaps, or a fresh awareness of God’s love or a renewed sense of purpose and mission. This is why daily prayer is so important. So come humbly before the Lord today—and every day—and listen for his Spirit’s voice. It’s the best way to “prepare the way of the Lord!”
“Lord, help me open my heart to your grace today!” (“Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13,” 2025)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that Sirach, one of the last Hebrew Testament texts, declares Jewish heroes as great as Greek heroes. The conquering Greeks were pushing Hellenistic ideas and Sirach responded by recalling a series of Jewish heroes including Elijah who called a drought upon Israel reflecting the principle of “as the sin, so the punishment.” And Elijah brought down fire and was carried to the heavens in a fiery chariot. Friar Jude notes that Jesus speaks of the Baptist as the new Elijah who does as promised by Elijah, bring families back together.
Fr. Mike Schmitz outlines Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and his efforts to use his conversion story to convert those hearing his case. He also leads us through the first half of Ephesians, emphasizing Paul’s main theme of unity in the spirit. Today’s readings are from Acts 26, Ephesians 1-3, and Proverbs 29:18-21.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces James Finley and Mirabai Starr who read “Song of the Soul” or “Noche Oscura” by John of the Cross. He invites us to use the links below to listen or to read this poem shared in both English and Spanish and follow these simple instructions for lectio or audio divina.
Listen or read the first time and allow the sound and images of the poem to wash over you.
Listen or read a second time and allow your attention to be drawn to a word or phrase. Let it speak to you. Pray to God or journal about what it might mean to you.
Listen or read a third time. Sit in silence with God for as long as you feel drawn. (Rohr, n.d.)
We ponder the description “as the sin so the punishment” credited to Elijah and seek enlightenment of the Spirit to reveal action to avoid sin and the related punishment.
References
Braddock, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-13-2025
Matthew, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/17?9
Meditation on Matthew 17:9-13. (2025, December 13). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/13/1444943/
Psalms, PSALM 80 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/80?2
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-hidden-work-of-grace-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Elijah Must First Come. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
Sirach, CHAPTER 48 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/48?1
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