Daily Retreat 12/15/07
2007 Dec 15 Sat:Advent Weekday
Sir 48:1-4. 9-11/ Ps 79(80):2ac and 3b. 15-16. 18-19/ Mt 17:9a. 10-13
From today’s readings: “You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD.... Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.... I tell you that Elijah has already come....”
Baptist Basics
NB: The first reading book of Sirach is also sometimes titled “Ben Sira” or “Ecclesiasticus,” and can be found in your Bible right before the book of the prophet Isaiah (but not included in most protestant translations).
In Mark 1:6, John the Baptist is described as “dressed in camel hair and wearing a leather belt around his waist,” which, not coincidentally, closely mirrors the prophet Elijah’s clothing as described in 2Kings 1:8. In today’s Gospel verses, re-affirming Matthew 11:14, Jesus explicitly states that John the Baptist is indeed the fulfillment of the prophecy of the return of Elijah (today’s first reading and Malachi 4:5).
Are you starting to appreciate the importance of John the Baptist and his mission? And have you reflected on his significance not just in the past, but for our advent meditations and preparations in our own day? (Cf. last Sunday’s meditation).
Sir 48:1-4. 9-11/ Ps 79(80):2ac and 3b. 15-16. 18-19/ Mt 17:9a. 10-13
From today’s readings: “You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD.... Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.... I tell you that Elijah has already come....”
Baptist Basics
NB: The first reading book of Sirach is also sometimes titled “Ben Sira” or “Ecclesiasticus,” and can be found in your Bible right before the book of the prophet Isaiah (but not included in most protestant translations).
In Mark 1:6, John the Baptist is described as “dressed in camel hair and wearing a leather belt around his waist,” which, not coincidentally, closely mirrors the prophet Elijah’s clothing as described in 2Kings 1:8. In today’s Gospel verses, re-affirming Matthew 11:14, Jesus explicitly states that John the Baptist is indeed the fulfillment of the prophecy of the return of Elijah (today’s first reading and Malachi 4:5).
Are you starting to appreciate the importance of John the Baptist and his mission? And have you reflected on his significance not just in the past, but for our advent meditations and preparations in our own day? (Cf. last Sunday’s meditation).
posted by FrPitstick | 12/14/2007
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