[ Today's Readings ]
Elijah had done such wonders that the scribes must have a hard time recognizing his role being fulfilled by John the Baptist. They watch for the extravagant and amazing and so miss the core of the message. Whether or not John shuts up the heavens and brings down fire three times is less important. What is most important is that he turns back the hearts of fathers toward their sons and re-establishes the tribes of Jacob.
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.
This Elijah is the one who can help us prepare to meet Jesus. We must not take offense at his words and do to him whatever we please. We must not wait for miracles to help us get ready. Jesus is coming soon. He sends out prophets to prepare for his coming. He asks us to clear room for him in our hearts. The main thing he comes to do is in our hearts before it is in the world. He does come with miraculous deeds. But the most miraculous of which is his choosing to be born in us and to bring us to life when we are dead in our sins.
There is no sense waiting. Jesus is coming and if we reject the call of John it is likely we will also reject the call of Jesus.
So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.
Each time God calls us it is because he genuinely wants us to return to him. Each time he calls is an opportunity. It can lead to a hardening of hearts if we reject it. But it is meant to lead to restoration. It is meant to lead to salvation.
O God, restore us;
light up your face and we shall be saved.
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