HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B
Sirach 48:1-4.9-11, Matthew 17:10-13
Though our witness should be accompanied with the demonstration of God’s power, love should be the driven force in our work of evangelisation.
The Jews were expecting Elijah to come as the forerunner of the Messiah. Their idea of Elijah was that of power and conquest. He was able to bring down fire three times. In his own time, Elijah brought a famine. By the words of the Lord he shut up the heavens.
This great expectation prevented them from recognising him in John the Baptist. While the disciples of Jesus were asking questions about the coming of Elijah, Jesus replied, “Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things; 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.”
John the Baptist actually came to prepare the way for the Lord. The Jews did not recognise him because of their expectations of the Messiah. They were expecting him to demonstrate power as did the Elijah of old.
Oftentimes, our frustrations come as a result of our expectations. Because of our expectations of how people should be, we often ignore people who matter or push aside those sent to help us.
When we look at life only from our own perspective or based on our preconceived ideas, we can easily miss out in the order of things.
God orders all things graciously. Let us be open-minded that we may fit in into God’s plan every moment of our life.
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