December 10/Second Saturday of Advent
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ~ Matt 17.9-10
It is meet and right to set aside dedicated daily prayer time, but we don’t have to stop there. Prayer is, at its core, an ongoing conversation with the One who is always present, and that conversation can be picked up at any moment in the day. The 17th-century Carmelite monk Brother Lawrence modeled this practice of the presence of God, writing: “We ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen.” When we encounter a difficult work problem or experience a moment of family harmony, we can quietly pray, “Lord, can you help me untangle this problem with my colleague?” or “God, thank you for the gift of my teenager’s good mood this morning.” As the disciples walk with Christ down from the mountain where the Transfiguration has occurred, picking their way through the dust and scrabble, they are admittedly confused by the strange and wonderful revelation in which their teacher stood with the great prophets Moses and Elijah and was sanctified by God. Echoing Mary’s bafflement at the message of the angel Gabriel – “How can this be?” – they ask Jesus how he can be the Messiah when the promised return of Elijah has not occurred. Christ is responsive to his disciples as they make sense of it all, not only showing them that John the Baptist is that Elijah figure, but also reassuring them with his presence. So, too, is he there for us in the plateaus, peaks, and valleys of our lives, sharing the mundane moments as well as the joys and sorrows. For as the martyred El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero wrote, He is “the God who converses with us.”
O Lord, who lifts up his people in friendship, May we be attuned your presence at all times, and speak to you early, and often, each day. Amen.
To hear “Lord of All Hopefulness,” click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-D_aT8CXyc
For today’s readings, click here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121022.cfm
