BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO SAW YOU…

Sirach 48:1-4,9-11

1 Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch.
2 He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number.
3 By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire.4 How glorious you were, O Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! And who has the right to boast which you have?

9 You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire;
10 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.11 Blessed are those who saw you, and those who have been adorned in love; for we also shall surely live.

Matthew 17:10-13

10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”11 He replied, “Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things;
12 but 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.”
13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.  

MEDITATION

SIRACH MEDITATE on the supernatural work of Elijah who learned to be merciful and obedient to the word of God such that he was taken up to heaven. The prophet implore the people to be ready to avoid the wrath of God and die a fiery death. 

Catec 2583 …Finally, taking the desert road that leads to the place where the living and true God reveals himself to his people, Elijah, like Moses before him, hides “in a cleft of the rock” until the mysterious presence of God has passed by. But only on the mountain of the Transfiguration will Moses and Elijah behold the unveiled face of him whom they sought; “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God [shines] in the face of Christ,” crucified and risen.

THE GOSPEL READING: Peter, James and John had just witnessed Christs transfiguration and the presence of Moses and Elijah on the mountain which left them amazed and puzzled to the extent that they were wondering if indeed Elijah will return as taught by the scribes. Jesus clears up the apparent confusion of the apostles who finally identified John the Baptist whose prophetic zealousness personified Elijah.

The mystery of our salvation was fulfilled when the word became flesh. The Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass is indeed the occasion when Christ Jesus reveal Himself and comes down to transform us into His image and likeness upon our receiving His body and blood. Blessed are those who desire the light of knowledge to see and recognize Christ in the form of bread and wine in the Holy Eucharistic Feast! 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 80:2-3,15-16,18-19

2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh! Stir up thy might, and come to save us!3 Restore us, O God; let thy face shine, that we may be saved!
15 the stock which thy right hand planted.16 They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance!
18 Then we will never turn back from thee; give us life, and we will call on thy name!19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! let thy face shine, that we may be saved!

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER 
Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.