16 December, 2023 | Saturday of the Second Week of Advent (Novena to Christmas begins)

 Today begins the Christmas Novena . Find it after the Daily Gospel Reflections

Gospel Mt 17:9a, 10-13

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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.

Reflections:

Although the focus of the readings had been on John the Baptist for the past few days, the final message had always been driven towards the Messiah, Jesus Christ. So also today. The gospel says, “Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” While Advent is a preparation for Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, here we have Jesus speaking of his passion and death. It is remarkable to note that both John and Jesus died because of sin, repentance and reconciliation. In order to be reconciled at heart, to welcome the Messiah, John preached repentance which annoyed Herodias who had him killed. And Jesus, by forgiving sins and claiming to be the Son of the Father, annoyed the scribes and Pharisees who drove him to his death, not knowing that that was the way the Father has ordained his son would reconcile the world to himself—through his suffering, death and resurrection.

Activity: 

Let us spend some time during the day to make an examination of conscience and pray the Act of Contrition. Also to thank God for the gift of Redemption. 

16 December, Christmas Novena Day 1