Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
When you hear the name Elijah, you might be like me and think of the song “Days of Elijah” you sang (constantly) at youth group. To the Hebrews, Elijah was a bit of a bigger deal. Looking in the book of Kings, you will see the many wonders God showed through the prophet. Today’s first reading recounts these great signs and his destiny to repair the division of the tribes of Jacob and to put an end to the wrath before the day of the Lord. Like our shortsightedness to Elijah the prophet, we must be aware of when we become shortsighted to God’s wonders.
The disciples were very keen on Elijah and, in today’s gospel, were curious about how the scribes were maybe discrediting Jesus for being the Son of Man, the Lord spoken of by the prophets, since Elijah had not returned as the texts proclaimed. But Jesus shows that the scribes were indeed shortsighted as well. They were not open to the idea that the outcast John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy. Elijah left in a great whirlwind and chariots of fire, so he must return in something greater, right?
These readings show us that John the Baptist readied the way for Jesus in more ways than one. He readied the way by showing the disciples the pitfall of being so shortsighted to who God has chosen to bring forth the Kingdom. But as we see, we still have the chance to respond to these revelations with open hearts. The disciples took what Jesus said and understood. Yet even the most open of hearts would not comprehend that scriptures would have Jesus, their teacher and friend, to suffer and die. So as we open our hearts, we cannot claim to know just what we invite in.
What might we be shortsighted about in our own lives? Is there a group of people or a certain person you have looked past? These misconceptions and stereotypes that persist in our communities can keep us from seeing the wonders God presents to us each and every day. As we learn in our readings, God chooses to work in the most unexpected circumstances and people.
What could we do to be more openhearted? In this Advent and Christmas season, where are we being called to be more compassionate and welcome someone to our table? We live in such small circles in a increasingly individualized world. It can be easy to close off our sense of care to more people when we feel so comfortable with where we are already. But in the spirit of Christ’s incarnation, let us share the joy and love of God in bold new ways.
To close out, here’s a very fitting line from the song aforementioned at the top of my reflection:
And though these are days of great trial
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord!"