Jesus and his disciples are “coming down from the mountain” after a momentous, never-before-seen, never-to-be-repeated event, the Transfiguration of Jesus, which reveals his Divinity, and in which he is seen conversing with the two greatest figures of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah. With this bright vision vividly in their minds, they ask about whether Elijah must come before the Messiah. Jesus says he has already come, but was not recognized.
So how did the disciples understand that Jesus’ comments about Elijah referred to John the Baptist?
Part of the association is the mission both prophets had: to prepare the way of the Lord. Elijah was the holiest of prophets to the Chosen People in the Old Testament, and it was prophesied that he would appear before the coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). John is a kind of “new Elijah” who is preparing for the immediate appearance of the Lord in the New Testament, and his father said he would be called “the prophet of the Most High…to go before the Lord to prepare his way” (Luke 1:76-79). Jesus says clearly in another place, “(John) is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send my messenger before you…(to) prepare the way before you” (Luke 7:24-27).
How did John the Baptist help prepare the way? By preaching the nearness of the Kingdom of God, the dawning of new Light on earth, and a message of repentance to get ready for the coming of a Savior who would wipe away sins. The Lord comes without our effort, but John insists that we must work to repent in order to be worthy of His coming!
With Advent nearing its end and the wonderful celebration of the Coming of Christ upon us, have we found time to be still and prepare our own hearts for this coming? When John baptized Jesus, the Father said, “This is my beloved Son…listen to him.” While Elijah was with Jesus during the Transfiguration, the Father repeated these same words, “This is my beloved…listen to him.” Today, let’s pray for the openness to be still and listen to what Jesus is asking each of us to do to be ready for his gentle coming at Christmas.
Jesús y sus discípulos bajan del monte tras un acontecimiento trascendental, inédito e irrepetible, la Transfiguración de Jesús, que revela su Divinidad, y en la que se le ve a Jesús conversando con dos grandes figuras del Antiguo Testamento, Moisés y Elías. Con esta brillante visión vívidamente en sus mentes, preguntan si Elías debe presentarse ante el Mesías. Jesús dice que ya vino, pero no lo reconocieron.
Entonces, ¿cómo entendieron los discípulos que los comentarios de Jesús sobre Elías se referían a Juan el Bautista?
Parte de la asociación es la misión que tuvieron ambos profetas: preparar el camino del Señor. Elías fue el más santo de los profetas del Pueblo Elegido en el Antiguo Testamento, y fue profetizado que aparecería antes de la venida del Señor (Malaquías 4,5). Juan es una especie de “nuevo Elías” que se está preparando para la aparición inmediata del Señor en el Nuevo Testamento, y su padre dijo que sería llamado “el profeta del Altísimo… para ir delante del Señor a preparar su camino” (Lucas 1,76-79). Jesús dice claramente en otro lugar, “de él (Juan) está escrito: He aquí, envío mi mensajero delante de ustedes…(para) preparar el camino delante de ustedes” (Lucas 7,24-27).
¿Cómo ayudó Juan el Bautista a preparar el camino? Predicando la cercanía del Reino de Dios, el amanecer de una nueva Luz en la tierra y un mensaje de arrepentimiento para prepararse para la venida de un Salvador que borrará los pecados. ¡El Señor viene sin nuestro esfuerzo, pero Juan insiste en que debemos esforzarnos por arrepentirnos para ser dignos de Su venida!
Ahora que el Adviento llega a su fin y la maravillosa celebración de la venida de Cristo ya se acerca, ¿hemos encontrado tiempo para estar quietos y preparar nuestros propios corazones para esta venida? Cuando Juan bautizó a Jesús, Dios Padre dijo: “Este es mi Hijo amado… escúchenlo”. Mientras Elías estaba con Jesús durante la Transfiguración, Dios Padre repitió estas mismas palabras: “Este es mi amado… escúchenlo”. Oremos hoy para la apertura de estar quietos y escuchar lo que Jesús nos pide hacer a cada uno para estar listos para su dulce venida en Navidad.
Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and seven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com
Feature Image Credit: Dodo71, pixabay.com/photos/stained-glass-colorful-baptism-4052419/
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