Homily for Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Theme: Elijah Does Come
By: Fr Gerald M. Musa
Homily for Saturday December 11 2021
A popular proverb in Africa says, “He who asks questions never loses his way.” The Hausa translation of this proverb is Matambayi baya bata. It is not surprising that the disciples of Jesus constantly asked questions to seek clarification. They asked, “Then why do the Scribes say that first Elijah must come?” (Matthew 17:10). Jesus answered, “.Elijah has already come, and they (the scribes) and people did not know him” (Matthew 17:12). The disciples may have asked the question based on the prophecy of Malachi which says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:5). Those who read this Old Testament passage, including the disciples, may have understood it literarily, thinking that Elijah is expected to come back physically because he left the world suddenly and miraculously through a fiery chariot. John the Baptist is not the reincarnated Elijah, but one who was like Elijah and who carried out his ministry in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 16:17). When he was asked if he was Elijah. He bluntly answered, “I am not” (John 1:21). Nevertheless, Jesus declared John the Baptist as one who was great (Matthew 11:11). Surprisingly, the people around him were too blind to recognize his greatness. Do we also suffer from intentional blindness that prevents us from seeing the prophetic presence of God in those who preach repentance and restoration?
Matthew 17:1o-13; Saturday, 2nd Week of Advent