Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. — Psalm 80:4

Mass Readings: Sirach 48:1-4,9-11/Matthew 17:9a,10-13 

A Prophecy Fulfilled? 

How are prophecies fulfilled? The disciples in today’s Gospel are well aware of the prophecy that the prophet Elijah will return before the coming of the Messiah. How could Jesus be the Messiah if Elijah had not yet returned? Jesus assures them that the prophecy is true — and has already been fulfilled, though no one recognized it. John the Baptist was the new Elijah, whom they did not recognize, but was put to death. 

Jesus, the Messiah himself, will suffer the same fate. So the messianic prophecies will be fulfilled — but not as people expected. No grand kingdom, no earthly rule — only a cross (but also a resurrection and a promise of eternal life). So prophecies are not fulfilled in the way that we expect, unless we’re willing to expect the unexpected. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be ready for Your surprises.