“I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they pleased..” (Matthew 17:12)
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as the Elijah that is to come. However, the book of Hebrews says: “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “When the single course of our earthly life is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives. There is no reincarnation after death.” (CCC No. 1013).
- Why, then, did Jesus say that John the Baptist is Elijah that is to come? 1) To show that the prophecy about the return of Elijah has come to pass. This implies that Jesus is truly the Messiah. 2) To emphasise (praise) John the Baptist’s excellence. Note that Jesus’s words, at this point, were a funeral oration for John the Baptist, who had just been beheaded. 3) To teach us that we remain alive as long as people continue our good works. Elijah died, yet he was alive in John the Baptist.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus does not discuss reincarnation, which is not a Christian teaching. As we have seen above, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). John the Baptist did not reincarnate Elijah. They are two different persons. However, John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah’s return by behaving like Elijah.
- Another lesson today is this: “Live a good life and make your death count.” Today’s first reading pays a glowing tribute to Elijah. Not many people have such beautiful tributes. I once read a quote: “Live a good life so that no one will be forced to lie about you during your funeral.” Like John the Baptist, we are all called to become Elijah today.
Some virtues we learn from Prophet Elijah include 1) Faithfulness. He stood by his convictions even when they were difficult or unpopular. He alone was left among the prophets of God when others deserted the faith. 2) Courage. Elijah spoke truth to power. He boldly confronted King Ahab and Quen Jezebel.
- 3) Obedience. Elijah always followed God’s instructions. 4) Humility. In all his achievements, Elijah recognised his limitations. 5) Prayerfulness. Elijah was a man of prayer and exercised great faith in God when he prayed. Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest and came out victorious because he trusted God.
- Today, we remember St. John of the Cross. Born Juan de Yepes y Alvarez in 1542 in Fontiveros, Avila, Spain, John faced early hardship with the death of his father and brother. Despite poverty, his mother’s weaving provided for the family. John’s religious education began at a boarding school for poor children, leading him to serve as an acolyte and later pursue religious studies. In 1563, John joined the Carmelite Order and took the name 'John of St. Matthias.' His scholarly endeavours in theology and philosophy at the University of Salamanca earned him a reputation as a Bible expert.
- Ordained in 1567, John considered the Carthusian Order but was instead inspired by Theresa of Avila to join her reform of the Carmelites, known for their devotion to prayer and austerity. They became the Discalced Carmelites, and on Nov. 28, 1568, he took the name John of the Cross. John's reform efforts led to conflict within the Carmelite Order. Despite Papal approval, tensions peaked in 1577 when he was kidnapped and imprisoned by opposing Carmelites. During his nine-month captivity, he composed influential poetry.
- Beatified in 1675 and canonised in 1726, St. John of the Cross is honoured as the patron of contemplatives, mystics, and Spanish poets, with his feast day on December 14.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith and trust in you and help us live out our purpose on earth like Elijah, John the Baptist and John of the Cross. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Ps. 80:2-3,15-16,18-19, Matthew 17:10-13).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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