Advent: The Period of Elijah

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Saturday of 2nd Week of Advent, Year C,  December 11th, 2021
Texts: Sirach 48:1-4.9-11b; Ps. 80:2-3b.15- 16a.18-19; Matthew 17:10-13
Elijah was a prophet of God with unique office. God gave him authority to work signs and wonders. Today's first reading reminds us of those signs and wonders: "Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, O Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!" Just like Elijah everyone of us is unique and could be glorious if we follow the path of God. Elijah enjoyed God's favour to perform such acts because he walked in the ways of the Lord. Let us follow the path of God and we will be glorious.
Elijah also evaded death; he was taken up to heaven body and soul. This shows that man could evade death if God wills it. God did not just give him authority to work signs and wonders, but also gave him the power of reconciliation. Hence, it is said, "you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written, to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury, to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob." This office of reconciliation and calming the wrath of God he was to come and fulfill in preparation for the Lord's coming. This office, Jesus tells us, was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist. He says, " I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist."
Advent is that appointed time in which Elijah was ready to come. Advent season is the second coming of Elijah, the season of John the Baptist. Advent season is the season to reconcile with God and with one another. Advent season is the season to turn away the wrath of God by our humble repentance. We have to be penitent in this season and beyond.
In Elijah we come to know that God has role for each of us in this life. Our uniqueness is meant to make us fit into our role in life. We are all created to fulfil the plan of God.

Lord our God, we thank You for Your love and mercy which make repentance possible, help to repent of every evil as we await Your coming in glory and enjoying the benefits of Your coming in weakness. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke