Dec. 10, 2022 – Matthew 17:10-13
The scene is well known: Having finished the vision of transfiguration they returned to the valley. During that experience they saw Moses, who represented the Law, and Elijah, who represented the prophetic tradition, talking with Jesus. As such, this clearly confirmed Jesus’ mission as Messiah, including what he had told them about his suffering, death and resurrection. A prophecy that had greatly shocked them.
And as they descend to the valley The disciples discuss the coming of Elijah, who, according to the scribes, is supposed to return and restore everything. To this remark Jesus points out that “Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him; rather, they did with him what they wished. So also the Son of Man will have to suffer by
their work.” The prophets, martyrs, and saints in Jesus are bound to us by the bond of suffering, which is toil, renunciation, and the choice of a greater love, that of “giving one’s life for those one loves.” Jesus confirms the rabbinic tradition but adds that that promise has already been fulfilled, Elijah has already come but the people did not recognize him, rather “they did with him what they pleased” (17:12). The evangelist comments that the disciples understand that he was talking about the Baptist, who died in prison at the hands of Herod. Everyone was expecting a powerful prophet and instead God sends a helpless man who speaks with a voice of thunder, a man who defies power without having any power except that of truth. A man who is seemingly defeated. In reality, in this very way, he bears witness to the face of a God who comes in humility and writes the first page of a new history where victory no longer comes through weapons and violence but through word and charity. A story that found in Jesus the supreme witness. John’s martyrdom, in fact, announces that of the Messiah. The reference to John offers Jesus an opportunity to reiterate that his mission is fulfilled in suffering. A hint that seems to contrast with the glorious experience the disciples have just had. But for that very reason all the more necessary to eradicate illusions of success measured by our usual standards. God never ceases to surprise.
For good workers…
– Mother Teresa: “The words of Jesus ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ should be not only a light for us, but also a destroying fire of the selfishness that prevents us from growing in holiness.” Let us immerse ourselves in the fire of love and let us destroy what is the worst in us.
– Let us see ourselves again in John’s role, sharing with him the responsibility of preparing the way for Jesus to enter people’s lives.
Fr Joby Kavungal RCJ