Saturday of the second week of Advent year A
Theme: The prophetic voice
In the 1st reading of today, the Book of Sirach extols the power of the prophet Elijah and the exploits he did in the name of God. The prophet made pronouncements and a lot of things happened. He shut up the heavens and there was no rain and he also brought down fire. This shows us that there is power in spoken words, especially coming from the mouth of a friend of God. We are all children of God, but the choice to become his friend is dependent on us as individuals; he does not force anyone of us to choose him as a friend. However, he is always waiting for us to accept his hand of friendship and come close to him. The closer we are to God, the better our relationship should be and the more potent our prayers should also be. Today’s 1st reading reminds us in a very special way that by virtue of our Baptism, we are priests, prophets and kings. In view of this, a very important question to you and I is, how well are we making use of our prophetic voice to the greater glory of God and for the good of all those who encounter us at different times in our life?
My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we continue to prepare and await the coming of Christ, we are all encouraged to build a better relationship with God; just like the prophet Elijah that is extolled in our 1st reading of today. The season of Advent presents us the opportunity to make a bold step that will help us to become better children of God and Christians. In the gospel reading, we see the people waiting for the coming of the prophet Elijah, and Jesus used the opportunity to teach them and also gave them insight about what awaits him in the future. Dearly beloved in Christ, as we prepare and await the coming of Christ, we are encouraged to live a good life that will prepare us for the coming of Christ. The prophet lived a good life and so was Jesus; it is now for you and I to emulate them by also living good lives like they did.
If we can emulate them in our actions dearly beloved in Christ, we will worry less about what the future holds for us and look forward to it with hope and joy. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.