"Jesus replied,
'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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
