💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 14 💖

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 hold can be healthy and constructive, but they can also deviate from the truth or facts. The readings of the day invite us to become open-minded and see beyond stereotyped prejudices, which will help us to see the truth.

The first reading sheds light on the life of the prophet Elijah. It praises 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 before the Messiah’s arrival. A glimpse of this 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 the forgiveness of sins, but people did not recognize him because they expected a precursor who would be powerful and influential, perhaps like the former Elijah. John's ministry and mission didn’t meet their expectations of Elijah, and thus they failed to recognize the precursor in John. Jesus underscores that John suffered for the cause and died, and so would be the fate of the Messiah—Jesus himself.

My dear friends, prejudices are deposited in us through our life experiences. If they are not settled or managed properly, we may miss many things. We may fail to see the good in others. We may miss chances to grow in faith. We may also fail to accept and recognize others as they are. The scribes and Pharisees were learned and educated, but they lacked the open-mindedness to see beyond their prejudices and missed the opportunity to recognize the Messiah in Jesus. Consequently, the 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, build relationships with one another, and deepen our intimacy with God.