10 December 2022

Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire,
and his word burned like a torch.
He brought a famine upon them,
and by his zeal he made them few in number.
By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens,
and also three times brought down fire.
How glorious you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
Whose glory is equal to yours?

From Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12, NRSV

In today’s reading we are introduced to the prophet Elijah. His life was in many ways very colourful and through him God worked many miracles such as  bringing down fire from the sky and the raising to life of a widow’s son. Elijah’s word was considered to be very powerful since the people saw that what he said was accompanied by action. Elijah was devoted to the work of restoring true worship in Israel. He urged the people of Israel to repent for their sin and to turn back to the true God. As well as being a man of action, Elijah also knew the power of prayer. When John the Baptist preached the same message many thought that he was Elijah reincarnated. John stated that this was not the case but the prophecy of each helped to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah.

• • Why do you suppose it was important for Elijah’s words often to be accompanied by miraculous deeds?
  • Does God still perform miracles through people?

At this midway point of Advent, reflect on what you might still need to do in order to be ready to welcome Christ.