2nd Week of Advent, Saturday – 16th December 2020 – Sirach 48, 1-4.9-11; Mt 17,10-13
Herald of Repentance and Reconciliation
The first reading from the book of Sirach is a reminder that the prophet Elijah is to come back before the Day of the Lord. In focusing on Elijah, it is directing to the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. The reading echoes the commonly held belief that prophet Elijah was miraculously taken from the earth in a fiery chariot and he will return before the end of the world that would signify the imminent coming of the Messiah. As a prophet, Elijah preached a message of ‘metanoia’, the Greek word for repentance. It means change of one’s mind, heart and life. He preached repentance from Israelites idolatry and other sins that broke their relationship with God. He sought to reconcile the people with God, even if that reconciliation came with a great price – a severe judgement for the people’s infidelity. Elijah is acclaimed to be herald of repentance and reconciliation. Those who would see his return would also see the Messiah who will follow him.
