Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

As they were coming down the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:9a, 10-13)

Introductory Prayer: Father, I love you for this time you are giving me to pray. Help me to lift my mind up to you and genuinely understand your work in my life.

Petition: Give me greater spiritual insight into the meaning of Advent.

1. Coming Down the Mountain.
The mountain was a place that Jesus frequently went to in order to pray. Often he brought his disciples with him and continued his laborious efforts to form them into the great apostles that they would eventually become. Formation is something that the Lord gives us so that we can share it with others. We go up the mountain and we bring down the experience of Christ. Let’s not keep it to ourselves!

2. Recognizing Elijah
Coming down from the mountain implies a great responsibility: that we are a little more capable of “recognizing Elijah”, of seeing and understanding God actions in our lives. Our spiritual progress can help others so much when we generously share the fruits of our experience.

3. The Son of Man Will Suffer
In Advent, we are focused on the joy of Christ coming into the world, but we can never forget what he came for — our salvation, which carried the price tag of much suffering. Let’s try to value more deeply the great love of Jesus that endured the cross to bring us to heaven.

Dialogue with Christ: Lord Jesus, you have given me so much. How can I ever repay you? I must be generous! Help me to show others a glimpse of your love for them.

Resolution: I will make a special act of service to my family.