Gospel

Elijah has already come and they did not recognize him.

From the Gospel according to Matthew

Mt 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Apparent Failures.

There is an experience that identifies a similarity between St. John the Baptist and Jesus, and it is that, in both cases, people did to them as they pleased. It is clear to us that, through that path, they renewed everything. Each one at their level: St. John as a precursor and Jesus as a Redeemer, but it is no coincidence that people did to both of them as they pleased.

Perhaps I may decide to join the group of those who collaborate in the renewal of everything, but perhaps I hadn’t considered this as the true path.

The challenge for this Advent is this: From today until the coming of the Child, let us be like St. John and let them do with us as they please.

Applied to Married Life:

Declan: What do these words suggest to you? Henpecked, submissive, intimidated…

Lucy: It sounds like someone ridiculous, a bit foolish. Why?

Declan: Because to me, they sounded the same as to you. But reading today’s Gospel, it seems that letting people do with you as they please for the love of God dignifies you.

Lucy: Why do you say that?

Declan: To St. John the Baptist and Jesus, those in power did as they pleased. The apparent defeat turned into a triumph for heaven. If that’s the case, I also want to be a failure, even if it hurts pride.

Lucy: Even if it hurts pride, indeed. That is the necessary sacrifice in the name of love, for the redemption of the world.

Mother,

To lose to win for God. That’s what we want. To Him all the Glory and Praise for all eternity.