Elijah has already come. Am I able to recognize Him?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season : 2nd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 17:9a, 10-13*

*First Reading : Sir 48:1-4, 9-11*

*Elijah has already come. Am I able to recognize Him?*

*1) Elijah was taken in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses to Heaven*

This particular event reveals two things

First of all Elijah did not die. He was taken up to heaven alive 

Secondly, He will come again before the Messiah

*2) John the Baptist and Elijah*

People were waiting for Elijah 

Elijah appeared in the person of John the Baptist

But those people were not able to recognize Elijah in John the Baptist

That's why they didn't listen to Him

*3) Elijah Today*

The mission of Elijah or John the Baptist is to prepare the people for the arrival of Messiah

So we are preparing for the Nativity of the Lord. So in this context Elijah has already come  

But then the question is, am I able to recognise him??

*4) Modern form of Elijah or John the Baptist*

John the Baptist is the one who preaches. Bible takes the place of John the Baptist in teaching us. Am I inspired by the Bible as I prepare for the Nativity? 

John the Baptist is the voice which is crying. A voice which is crying for help. Am I able to hear? 

John the Baptist is the one who fights for justice. There are many around us doing that same. Am I able to recognize them? 

John the Baptist is the one who speaks the Truth. There are many who speak the Truth and give life witness for the same. Am I able to recognize them? 

John the Baptist is the one who condemns the evil. Today many fight against evil. Am I able to recognise them? 

John the Baptist is the one who lives a simple life. What about my perception about simplicity in life? 

John the Baptist is the one who is courageous. Courage to uphold the Truth and ready to die for truth 

All these above forms are nothing but the various holy tasks of John the Baptist. When we do them in our life, the influence of John the Baptist remains in us and we are able to recognise him 

Where is my John the Baptist??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*