Elijah has already come

After his transfiguration, Jesus charged the Apostles who had witnessed his transfiguration not to tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead. At a loss about the prohibition and about the resurrection from the dead, the Apostles keep their mouths shut. Their attention now shifts to Elijah who is believed to return before the coming of the Messiah. So they have learned from the scribes.

Jesus clarifies that Elijah has come in the person of John the Baptist. The prophet did not fare very well with the religious leaders and the people. Jesus will suffer the same fate.

Many secrets foul up because we who happen to know something cannot keep silent. We reveal what is not supposed to be known yet. Premature revelations create misunderstanding and confusion, and spoil the surprise element.

There is wisdom in listening to Jesus who reveals all things. His resurrection was not preempted by anyone.

Gospel • 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.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2019,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www. stpauls.ph.