What must Come First?

 

"To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 

But I tell you, Elijah has already come, 

and they did not recognize him, 

but have done to him everything they wished. 

In the same way the Son of Man 

is going to suffer at their hands."

(Matthew 17:11-12)

The day has come for the Lord Jesus to restore all things. Like Jesus, we may  have gone through the path of persecution, pain, and suffering so that we may learn, understand, and accept His plan of salvation over the life He has given us in this world. 

God's will may involve hardship and suffering, but it will surely lead to ultimate fulfillment and glory. His glory can only be understood through the Cross and Resurrection. Glory without the Cross is incomplete. Glory comes, but only through the path of surrender. We don’t need to see the whole plan to keep walking with Jesus.

The disciples have just seen Jesus in dazzling glory, yet the very next words they hear are about suffering, silence, and misunderstood prophecy. It’s a reminder that in the spiritual life, mountaintop moments and valley trials are not opposites—they belong together.

Maybe today we are carrying both light and burden. Maybe we have glimpsed God’s goodness but still walk through something unclear or painful. It is during these times when the Lord invites us to trust that His work in our lives is unfolding even when we don’t fully understand it. Like John the Baptist’s hidden faithfulness, preparation often happens quietly, 

Lord, help me recognize Your presence in both the shining moments and the difficult ones. Teach me to trust the slow unfolding of Your plan and give me the courage of John the Baptist—to prepare the way for You in my heart and in the world.

Restore All Things

 

Gospel

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijahhas 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.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 

Historical Background

This passage takes place immediately after the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. As they descend the mountain, Jesus commands them not to tell anyone about the vision until after His resurrection. This secrecy protects the meaning of the event—His glory can only be understood through the Cross and Resurrection.

The disciples then ask about the Jewish expectation that Elijah must return before the Messiah. This belief comes from Malachi 3:23 (4:5), a prophecy deeply embedded in Jewish tradition. Jesus affirms the prophecy but reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” and suffered rejection just as Elijah did.

Theological Context

Jesus identifies John as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy. John’s mission of repentance prepared the way for Christ, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s intervention.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine identity, but He insists it must be interpreted through His suffering and resurrection. Glory without the Cross is incomplete. His command to keep the vision secret shows that God’s plan unfolds gradually. The disciples are not yet ready to understand the fullness of what they witnessed until after Easter.

The disciples struggle because they expect a triumphant Messiah, not one who suffers. Jesus gently corrects them, preparing them for His Passion.

Learning Lessons

Jesus uses this moment to prepare His disciples for His own suffering and death. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the path of sacrifice and redemption that Jesus took for our salvation.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus faced suffering and rejection. This teaches us that following God's will may involve hardship and persecution, but it also leads to ultimate fulfillment and glory.

Jesus confirms that Elijah has come, referring to John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. The people did not recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come. We should be attentive and discerning, recognizing God's messengers and the ways He works in our lives.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire us to trust in God's promises, be discerning of His messengers, accept the reality of suffering in the pursuit of righteousness, and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. 

Reflection for the Day

The disciples have just seen Jesus in dazzling glory, yet the very next words they hear are about suffering, silence, and misunderstood prophecy. It’s a reminder that in the spiritual life, mountaintop moments and valley trials are not opposites—they belong together.

Maybe today you’re carrying both light and burden. Maybe you’ve glimpsed God’s goodness but still walk through something unclear or painful.

Today, the Lord invites us to trust that His work in our lives is unfolding even when we don’t fully understand it. Like John the Baptist’s hidden faithfulness, preparation often happens quietly, 

Glory comes, but only through the path of surrender. We don’t need to see the whole plan to keep walking with Jesus.

To be sure, Elijah comes, 

Restoring all, as prophecy hums. 

But I tell you, he's already here, 

Unrecognized, yet ever near.

They did to him as they desired, 

In their hearts, no love inspired. 

In the same way, the Son of Man, 

Will suffer at their cruel hand.

A voice in the wilderness, calling clear, 

Prepare the way, the Lord is near. 

Yet blinded eyes and hardened hearts, 

Failed to see the sacred parts.

In suffering, redemption's plan, 

Through trials faced by the Son of Man. 

For in His pain, our hope is found, 

In His love, our souls are bound.

Lord Jesus, 

You spoke of Elijah's coming, and the restoration he would bring. Yet, he came unrecognized and suffered at the hands of men. 

Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your messengers, And the courage to follow Your will. Help us to see Your hand in our lives, and to embrace the path You have set before us. As You faced suffering and rejection, give us the strength to endure our trials. May we remain faithful to Your call and find hope in Your promise of restoration.

Help us recognize Your presence in both the shining moments and the difficult ones. Teach us to trust the slow unfolding of Your plan, and give us the courage of John the Baptist—to prepare the way for You in our hearts and in the world.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church

THE COMING OF ELIJAH

Matthew 17:9-13

Gospel Acclamation

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

December 14, 2024, 9:24 AM  

Who is our Mother?

 

Mary said, 

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. 

May it be done to me according to your word.” 

(Luke 1:38)

The only sacrifice God is really interested in is that of our lives given in obedience to His will. Mary stands before us as a perfect example of obedience to God. In every step of the way, I have always been filled with the intercession of my most loving mother Mary.  Like her, we all have our struggles and trials to bear in our life journey. The greatest sacrifice we can offer to the Lord is obedience to His will. Let us open our hearts to God’s grace and imitate Mary in following wherever the Lord leads us.

It is always important to be open and obedient to God's plans for our lives. As God’s servant, we should demonstrate humility and recognize our role in God's greater plan. It is not just about us. We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Like Mary, we should show our willingness to obey God's will, even when it was unexpected and challenging. Her acceptance of the angel's message reflects her deep faith and trust in God. She believed that God's word would be fulfilled, even though she did not fully understand how. This encourages us to have faith and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Accepting God's will require courage, as it meant facing potential social stigma and personal challenges. This teaches us to be courageous in following God's call, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to be obedient, humble, faithful, and courageous in our walk with God. 

Lord Jesus, behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, with a heart full of humility and grace. May it be done to me according to Your word, as I seek to follow Your divine will. Grant me the strength to embrace Your plans, even when they are beyond my understanding. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and love, and to walk in faith, guided by Your light. May my life be a testament to Your glory, As I serve You with a willing heart. Let Your word be fulfilled in me, and may Your presence be my constant guide. Amen.

Published:

December 08, 2025, 6:28 AM 

Feeling Worn Out and Burdened?

 

“Come to Me, 

all you who labor and are burdened, 

and I will give you rest.” 

(Matthew 11:28)

Work-related stress and burnout are very common and can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health, as well as our performance and satisfaction at work. Some of the causes of work-related stress and burnout are excessive workload, lack of control, lack of support, lack of recognition, and lack of balance between work and personal life. Today, the Lord invites us to come to Him and allow Him to carry our load so that we may be at peace with Him. Thank you so much Lord!

We can find true rest and peace in Jesus, especially when we are overwhelmed by life's challenges. Jesus shares our burdens, symbolized by the yoke. We do not have to carry our burdens alone; we can rely on Jesus for strength and support. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light, meaning that He helps us bear our struggles in a way that is manageable.

Jesus is gentle and humble in heart. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is compassionate and understanding. He also serves as our model on how we should treat others—with gentleness and humility. By learning from Jesus, we can find guidance and wisdom for our lives. Let us seek rest in Jesus, practice gentleness and humility, rely on His support, and commit to learning from His example.

Lord Jesus, we come to You, weary and burdened, seeking the rest that only You can provide. Take our burdens, and grant us Your peace, for You are gentle and humble in heart. Teach us to learn from You, to walk in Your ways and follow Your example. May we find rest for our souls in Your presence, and strength in Your love and grace. Help us to trust in Your easy yoke, and to rely on Your light burden. Guide us each day, And fill our hearts with Your peace. Amen.

Who has been Excluded?

 

"In just the same way, 

it is not the will of your heavenly Father 

that one of these little ones be lost.”

(Matthew 18:14)

Today, the Lord invites us to reflect on someone who may feel forgotten or excluded. A simple act of kindness or reconciliation can mirror the shepherd’s pursuit and embody the Father’s will that none should perish. It is our duty to care for the vulnerable by seeking out the lost and rejoicing in their restoration.

Each person is precious in God's eyes. He values every single person and actively seeks out those who are lost. His unwillingness for any to perish reflects His compassionate nature and His immense love and care for every individual, especially the vulnerable and innocent.

Jesus encourages us to emulate the Father’s compassion in our interactions with others, showing kindness and understanding. He emphasizes the value of every life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. He teaches us to respect and cherish all people, recognizing their inherent worth. As followers of Christ, we are called to protect and care for the "little ones" in our communities. This includes children, the marginalized, and those in need of guidance and support.

Lord Jesus, we come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that our Father in heaven Is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Grant us Your divine protection and care, especially for the vulnerable and innocent among us. Help us to reflect Your love and compassion, guiding and nurturing those in need. May we always be mindful of the value of every life and strive to protect and uplift those who are lost or struggling. Fill our hearts with Your grace and wisdom, so that we may be instruments of Your peace and love. Amen.

Have I Prepared the Way?

 

A voice of one crying out in the desert, 

Prepare the way of the Lord, 

make straight his paths. 

(Matthew 3:3)

Anything is possible with God. There should be no room for presumtion. Today, the word of the Lord reveals that I should bear fruit that befits repentance. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. As Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming, we are reminded that preparation is not passive. It is active repentance, a clearing of the clutter in our lives, and a readiness to welcome Jesus with sincerity. The question is not whether we look religious, but whether we bear fruit that glorifies God.

John’s central message was metanoia—a deep turning of heart and mind toward God. His cry, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” announces that God’s reign is breaking into history through Jesus. The imagery of the axe at the root of the trees and the winnowing fan emphasizes divine judgment. Fruitfulness (good works) is the evidence of true repentance. John contrasts his baptism with water to Jesus’ baptism “with the Holy Spirit and fire,” pointing to transformation and empowerment through Christ.

God desires authentic transformation. External religiosity (heritage, rituals) is insufficient. Jesus’ coming is both comfort and challenge, He saves, but also purifies. Repentance is not just sorrow, it is fruit-bearing change. Trials and storms can prune away excess, making us more fruitful.

Lord Jesus, You are the One mightier than all, the giver of Spirit and fire. Cleanse my heart of pride and clutter, make me fruitful in love and mercy. Teach me to repent not in words alone, but in deeds that bear witness to You. As John prepared the way, prepare me this Advent to welcome You fully. Amen.

Who are the Laborers Sent to the Harvest?

 

“The harvest is abundant 

but the laborers are few; 

so ask the master of the harvest 

to send out laborers for his harvest.” 

(Matthew 9:37-38)

We are all laborers for the Lord. He sends out to be His instrument in addressing the needs of others most especially those who are lost, last, and least. This is the work and ministry that we must do with utmost faith and closeness to God. Without cost we have received; without cost we are to give.

Jesus’ mission is rooted in compassion. He did not only taught and proclaimed the Gospel but also cured diseases and illnesses. This shows the importance of addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of people. Like Jesus, we are called to look at the world not with indifference but with hearts moved by suffering. Compassion is the spark that ignites mission.

Needs are everywhere. Each of us is invited to be a worker in God’s field, whether through prayer, service, or witness. Our talents, time, and faith are gifts. Today’s Gospel challenges us to share them generously, especially with those who feel abandoned or helpless. We should be proactive in our service, reaching out to others and meeting them in their circumstances. Let us cultivate compassion, engage in holistic ministry, provide leadership and guidance, and actively serve others.

Lord Jesus, You traveled through towns and villages, teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, healing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, Your heart was moved with pity, for they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Grant us the same compassion and love, to see the needs of those around us and respond with care. Help us to be shepherds in our communities, guiding and supporting those who are lost and weary. May we follow Your example of selfless service, bringing hope and healing to those in need. Fill our hearts with Your grace and wisdom, so that we may lead others to Your light and truth. Amen.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot