Readings: Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Ps. 80:2-3,15-16,18-19, Matthew 17:10-13
“I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they pleased.” (Matthew 17:12)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as the Elijah who is to come. In other words, John the Baptist is a return of Elijah in the flesh. Does this mean Jesus endorses the doctrine of reincarnation? The book of Hebrews states, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Even the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “When the single course of our earthly life is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives. There is no reincarnation after death.” (CCC No. 1013).
Why, then, did Jesus say that John the Baptist is Elijah that is to come? 1) To show that the prophecy about the return of Elijah has come to pass. This implies that Jesus is truly the Messiah. 2) To emphasise (praise) John the Baptist’s excellence. Note that Jesus’s words, at this point, were a funeral oration for John the Baptist, who had just been beheaded. 3) To teach us that we remain alive as long as people continue our good works. Elijah died, yet he was alive in John the Baptist.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus does not discuss reincarnation, which is not a Christian teaching. As we have seen above, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that, the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). John the Baptist did not reincarnate Elijah. They are two different people. However, John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah’s return by behaving like Elijah.
Another lesson today is this: “Live a good life and make your death count.” Today’s first reading pays a glowing tribute to Elijah. Not many people have such beautiful tributes. I once read a quote: “Live a good life so that no one will be forced to lie about you during your funeral.” Like John the Baptist, we are all called to become Elijah today.
Some virtues we learn from Prophet Elijah include 1) Faithfulness. He stood by his convictions even when they were difficult or unpopular. He alone was left among the prophets of God when others deserted the faith. 2) Courage. Elijah spoke truth to power. He boldly confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. 3) Obedience. Elijah always followed God’s instructions. 4) Humility. In all his achievements, Elijah recognised his limitations. 5) Prayerfulness. Elijah was a man of prayer and exercised great faith in God. Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest and won because he trusted God.
St. Lucy, also known as Lucia of Syracuse, was a Christian martyr from the early fourth century. One well-known legend tells of a young Christian woman who vowed to dedicate her life to Christ. Her mother wished for her to marry a pagan suitor, but Lucy remained resolute. She prayed at St. Agatha’s tomb and dreamed that St. Agatha would heal her mother’s illness through faith. This miracle convinced her mother to allow Lucy to donate her dowry to the poor and to commit herself to God.
However, the rejected suitor betrayed Lucy to the Roman governor, Paschasius. Attempts to force Lucy to renounce her faith failed; she remained immovable even when tied to oxen. Unable to burn her, the guards ultimately executed her by the sword. Despite the lack of details about her life, Lucy’s story illustrates the hardships Christians faced under Emperor Diocletian’s rule. The name Lucy means “light” or “bright,” symbolising her role as the patron saint of the blind. She is often depicted holding a plate with her eyes and a palm branch, representing victory over evil.
Let us pray: May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us a new heart, we pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, Ps. 80:2-3,15-16,18-19, Matthew 17:10-13)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu