December 11, 2021

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

Lectionary: 186

Reading I

Sir 48:1-4, 9-11

    In those days,
    like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah
        whose words were as a flaming furnace.
    Their staff of bread he shattered,
        in his zeal he reduced them to straits;
    By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens
        and three times brought down fire.
    How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
        Whose glory is equal to yours?
    You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire,
        in a chariot with fiery horses.
    You were destined, it is written, in time to come
        to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
    To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,
        and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.
    Blessed is he who shall have seen you 
        and who falls asleep in your friendship.

Responsorial Psalm

80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19

1.  (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
   O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
   From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
   Rouse your power.
   R.    Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
   Once again, O LORD of hosts,
       look down from heaven, and see;
   Take care of this vine,
       and protect what your right hand has planted
       the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
   R.   Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
   May your help be with the man of your right hand,
       with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
   Then we will no more withdraw from you;
       give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
   R.    Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Alleluia

Lk 3:4, 6

1. Alleluia, alleluia.
   Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
   All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
   R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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.

Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Damasus I, pope

December 11

Reflection: ACCEPTANCE OF MY DAILY CROSS

This conversation takes place soon after the experience of the Transfiguration. By now, the disciples are convinced that Jesus is the messiah. The presence of Elijah reminds them of the expectation that when the Lord comes to save, there would be Elijah as the forerunner. Jesus indicates John the Baptist as his forerunner. Jesus was always clear about his mission. In today's Gospel Jesus reveals that the Son of Man is about to take up his cross and suffer. John the Baptist had his cross and all of us have our own crosses to carry. Transfiguration assures the disciples that the suffering and the cross are not ends in themselves. What is our attitude to suffering in our lives? Does it lead us to a greater share in the very life of Jesus?