SIGNS OF HIS PRESENCE

Saturday in the 2nd Week of Advent
Mt 17:10-13

Elijah is a legendary figure for the Jews. He is a legend not because he did not actually exist, but because of three things: the sings that accompanied his prophecies, his zeal for Yahweh, and his ascent to the heavens.

Not all prophets performed miracles. Elijah did! The 17th chapter of the First Book of Kings begins thus: “Elijah, the Tishbite in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As Yahweh lives, the God of Israel whom I serve, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years except at my order.’” So did it happen that drought set in and famine spread throughout the land. As Elijah spoke so did it happen.

Elijah’s zeal for Yahweh was dramatically manifested when he slew all the prophets of Baal at the wadi of Kishon. We find this story in 1 Kings 18:20-40.

Having slain all the prophets of Baal, Elijah put an end to the drought that scourged the land. “…except at my order,” so said Elijah when he caused the dry spell over the land. When he ordered the drought to end, the words of Elijah to his servant were, “Go and said to Ahab, ‘Harness the chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” And so did the rain come!

When the days of his prophecy were over, Elijah did not die. 2 Kings 2:1-13 tells us that Elijah was taken up to heaven by fiery chariots in the sight of Elisha who succeeded him as prophet in Israel. Because he did not die, the Jews, up to this day, believe that Elijah is alive in the heavens as he was alive here on earth. The Jews likewise hold that Elijah will come back before the Messiah comes. The Jews today, of course, are still waiting for both of them.

In the Gospel today, the disciples are said to have considered John the Baptist as Elijah. John the Baptist signaled for the disciples that the Messiah was already in their midst in the person of Jesus. How privileged John the Baptist was! Such a privilege is also extended to us. We are neither Elijah nor John the Baptist, but we should be signs that indeed the Lord is among us.

Have you seen Him lately? Have you shown Him to others today?