The Greatness of Elijah

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season :  2nd Week : New Liturgical Year : Saturday*

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

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

*The Greatness of Elijah*

*1) Wondrous and Marvelous things about Elijah*

He appears like fire. Fire is very powerful and one of the signs of the Holy Spirit

His Words are like, Fire. It means they are very powerful and can burn the evil things in man and bring about a conversion

  

With the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens. Something only very special about Elijah. No other prophet could do that 

Three times he brought down fire. This speaks about the capacity of Elijah. In other words how powerfully God was working through Elijah

The Bible says *Whose glory is equal to yours?* So his glory is something very special and marvellous

Elijah didn't die. As a human being He was an exception to the death. Bible says *You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses*

Among the prophets he was only the one who was destined, in time to come back to the World 

He was the one who was destined to come before the Lord to prepare the Way of the Lord and to put and end to the kingdom of Satan 

His mission was *Too turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob*

All those who have seen Elijah were blessed and they will establish a divine friendly relationship with Him

*2) Something Great about Elijah*

All the things which are spoken about Elijah, in the above section, shows the power and importance of Elijah

We hardly find, such fantastic things about a prophet in the Bible. But about it something about one can deeply reflect on it

Elijah is a great role model, who appeared in John the Baptist

*3) Elijah and John the Baptist*

Only one who went up without death and returned in the Person of John the Baptist 

Same person played a duel role. Something spectacular 

Came back to prepare the way of the Lord 

In both the characteristics, the moral integrity of the person remained at the high level 

*4) How do I see Elijah - John the Baptist?*

A great person who prepared the way of the Lord?

A person who challenges my inner most life, because of the duplicity?

A person ideal for Truth, Justice, simplicity, uprightness, and Moral integrity? 

A person who always inspires me? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*