Persecution of Prophets of Change

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invoke the image of Elijah who calls us to examine our relationships with others as opportunities to lead people to change attitudes and actions.

Leading the flock

The Book of Sirach outlines the deeds of the hero of Israel, Elijah,with particular emphasis on his urging for parents to be leaders for their children.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus addresses the belief of the community about the return of Elijah by connecting him to the work of John the Baptist which was rejected and which would be repeated in the rejection of Jesus.

* [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

Jay Carney shares that he continues to resist the conversion of heart called for by Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus.

The most pressing question of the hour is not what I must do to prepare my house or what gifts I should purchase for my kids. For me as a father, the most pressing questions are how I should prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord, and how I can turn my heart to my sons and daughters

Friar Jude Winkler explains how Sirach wrote to present the heroes of Israel as being every bit as dynamic as those of Greek culture. In the New Testament, John the Baptist is frequently portrayed as having the Spirit of Elijah. Friar Jude notes that Jesus also acted like Elijah in the Gospels.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares a nudge from Barbara A. Holmes to embrace a spectrum of contemplative experiences in the most unexpected places.

References

1	(n.d.). Sirach, chapter 48 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved December 15, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/sirach/48
2	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 17 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved December 15, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/17
3	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved December 15, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
4	(2017, December 30). 2018 Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 15, 2018, from https://cac.org/2018-daily-meditations/