“Today’s reflection was mistakenly sent yesterday. To read the reflection for Friday, December 9, 2022, go to https://jesuitprayer.org/2022/12/09/
Mt 17:9a, 10-13
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
The Fullness of Salvation
As we are almost exactly halfway through Advent, my home and my heart are fully immersed in preparations for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. The nativity scene on my mantle is a miniature version of the life-sized creche on the grass outside my church, with their idyllic figures waiting for the arrival of the baby in the manger. These peaceful scenes, however, are in sharp contrast with Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel. Not only does he refer to the cruel treatment and ultimate death of his cousin John, he acknowledges that he will share the same fate. This jarring juxtaposition reminds us that our faith is inextricably tied to both the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem, and his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. As we wait in hope in this Advent season, our faith allows us to trust in the promise of salvation through an infant in a manger.
—Lauren Gaffey is the associate director of communications for the Midwest Jesuits and an associate director of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries for the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen.
—Henri Nouwen