Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Year C
Reading: Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11;
Responsorial Psalm: PS 80: 2-3; 15-16; 18-19
“Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
Gospel: Matthew: 17: 9-13
Matthew 17:12 – “But I tell you that Elijah has already come”
Today’s Gospel, which discusses some of the happenings with the Transfiguration of Christ, notes some confusion by the Apostles that had accompanied Jesus to the mountain. Christ clears up the confusion stating that Elijah had returned in the form of John the Baptist. John suffered at the hands of man and Jesus states clearly that he too will suffer in this way.
The links between the Old Testament and the New Testament are strong – like living things, they interact and deliver empowering, life-giving truths.
The Transfiguration of Christ is linked to Exodus when Moses ascends Mount Sinai and into a cloud where God was dwelling – the appearance of the Lord was like a devouring fire, and this is revealed to the people of Israel.
In the transfiguration, Christ reveals his radiance and his clothes become intensely white. Moses is present, as is Elijah. It is a great proof of the eternal life of the soul, and it is through Jesus that our everlasting life is delivered.
Come, Lord Jesus, help us to value the gift of belonging to your Kingdom.
With thanks to Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill, who have supplied these daily Advent and Christmas 2021 reflections from their publication Daily Inspirations of Faith: A Season of Prayer – Advent to Epiphany 2021-22.
