First Reading - Sirach 48:1-4,9-11
Gospel - Matthew 17:9,10-13
We evaluate things based on the prejudices we have. The prejudices that we have can be healthy and constructive, they also can be deviating from the truth or facts. The readings of the day are inviting us to become open-minded to see beyond the stereotyped prejudices and this will help us to see the truth.
The first reading throws light on the life of the prophet Elijah. The reading glories in the works of the prophet which were astonishing and awe-inspiring. The reading also brings to the fore the expectation of the second coming of the prophet for the restoration before the Messiah. The glimpse of the same expectation is reflected in the gospel as well.
The gospel presents the doubt of the disciples of Jesus. They are aware that Jesus is the Messiah who was awaited by the Jews but according to the Scripture or the prophecy of Malachi Elijah was to come as the precursor to restore all things before the Messiah. Jesus clears their doubt by stating that John is the expected Elijah. He preached repentance and forgiveness of sins but people didn't recognise him for they expected a precursor who would be powerful and influential perhaps like former Elijah. John's ministry and mission didn't meet their expectation of Elijah, thus they failed to recognise the precursor in John. Jesus underlines that John suffered for the cause and died, so would be the fate of the Messiah that is he himself.
My dear friends, prejudices are deposited in us through our experiences of lives. If they are not settled or managed properly, we may fail or miss many things. We may fail to see good in others. We may miss chances to grow in faith. We may also miss to accept and recognise others as they are. The Scribes and Pharisees were learned and educated but they lacked open-mindedness to see beyond their prejudices and failed the chances to see and recognise the Messiah in Jesus. Consequently, Jews still await Elijah and the Messiah. We can't deny the fact that we also have prejudices, but today's invitation is to see beyond them, so that we can be open-minded and ready to accept and grow in faith. May God help us to overcome prejudices that are destructive or one-sided so that we may grow in faith, relationship with one another and intimacy with God.
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