In the Old Testament – the Prophet Elijah.

“why do the scribes says that Elijah has to come first?”

Jesus points out that Elijah did come already.

And the disciples putting the pieces together know that John is Elijah incarnate.

But the question is, did this make them believe

that Jesus has to undergo the passion and not be like the triumphant conquering messiah that they imagined?

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

Then came the prophet Elijah,

Like a fire, his words a burning torch. He brought a famine on the people and in his zealous love had them reduced in number. Speaking in the name of the Lord he closed the heavens, and on three occasions called down fire. How marvelous you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Who could ever boast of being your equal? You were taken up by a whirlwind of flames in a chariot drawn by fiery horses.

 

It was written that you should be the one to calm God's anger in the future, before it broke out in fury, to turn the hearts of fathers to their sons and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

Happy are those who will see you and those who die in love, for we too shall live.

 

Ps 80:2ac & 3b, 15-16, 18-19

Lord, make us turn to you: let us see your face and we shall be saved

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊    

Matthew 17:04, 10-13

And as they came down the mountain, the disciples asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus answered, "So it is: first comes Elijah; and he will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come: and they did not recognize him; and they treated him as they pleased. And they will also make the Son of Man suffer."

Then the disciples understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist.

 

 Gospel Reflection ：

"God always sends his prophets during difficult times." 

Though he doesn't have a book of the Bible named after him, Elijah is one of the greatest prophets in the history of Israel. He served as a prophet during an especially difficult time in the kingdom of Israel. The king was no longer faithful to the covenant with the Lord and worship of false gods, especially Baal, was rampant.

 

Almost all of the prophets of the Lord had been killed. (To be honest, God always sends his prophets during difficult times. Prophets rarely show up to say, "Good job, everyone! Stay happy. Through God's power, Elijah performed astonishing miracles, feeding multitudes and defeating a company of Baal's prophets.

 

Elijah did not die. Instead, he was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. Because of this, many people believed that he would return to welcome the Messiah. Matthew identifies John Baptist with Elijah, as John came to prepare the way for Jesus by preaching conversion and repentance. What prophets in our day are calling us to follow Jesus more closely?