“But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased.” (Mt 17:12)

“But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased.” (Mt 17:12)

Today’s Passage: Mt 17:10-13

Meditation: Yesterday we were reflecting on the indifference of the people. Even now in the end of the second week of the advent, we find the indifferent attitude of the people against Jesus’ coming into the world. No preparation is being done as to the reception of the Savior. May be people are there for shopping in the mall or busy with other businesses, but are they open to Jesus, the Savior? This is also for you and me. If we are indifferent, we cannot receive him. 

 Today’s verse is something more hard heartening and warning than yesterday. Jesus says, “But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased.” (Mt 17:12) This may be also the result of the indifferent attitude in our lives. When we keep on indifference to the realities, then we may not be able to realize the truth in right time; we may not able to recognize it, we may stand against it, or destroy it.

Therefore, in order to have a fruitful Christmas, we have to be alert and watchful in our lives; otherwise we will be punished. In the gospel of John we read, “This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.” (Jn 3:19) If we continue in our sins, we cannot receive him as our Savior. Moreover, “no child of God keeps on sinning, for the Son of God keeps him safe, and the Evil One cannot harm him.” (1Jn 5:18)

What a pity it is that the expected one has already come but we could not recognize him! Indifference may make us even blind. Let this Christmas be an occasion of encountering our Lord Jesus Christ for each one us. 

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, let us always be alert and watchful in our life so that we may not fall into indifference. Teach us to wait for you expectantly that we may prepare ourselves and recognize you when you arrive. We pray today in special for all those who have done or spoken evil against you in their ignorance. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Saturday…