LEADING PEOPLE TO GOD THROUGH OUR SACRIFICES - 12/10/22 (Saturday of the Second Week of Advent)

Matthew 17:12–13

“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.  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121022.cfm

Blessed Saturday! St. John the Baptist was the person who fulfilled the prophecy related to Elijah. This is why we can also call St. John the Baptist as the "New Elijah." He was given a mission by God to prepare the way of our Savior Jesus Christ through his message of repentance. Still, as Jesus told His disciples, many did not recognize St. John the Baptist as a prophet of God. This was the reason why he was imprisoned and beheaded. But, the sufferings of St. John the Baptist were not vain. They had value because this was the means by which God brought many people to himself. Even though St. John the Baptist knew the danger that awaited him, he still chose to preach against the sins of people and to move them to repentance. He also pointed the crowd to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The Son of Man, our Lord, would also suffer at the hands of the Pharisees. But, this suffering was not a failure. This suffering became a sacrifice through the offering of our Lord Jesus of Himself to the Father on the cross for the salvation of souls and redemption of mankind. 

It's important for us not just to understand what St. John the Baptist and Jesus did. Rather, God calls us to offer our sufferings to Him and participate in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the conversion of sinners and for us to be closer to God. When we are at work, do we grumble and overly complain when the tasks are difficult? Or, do we humbly accept them, remain patient and entrust everything to God's will and providence? To accept this suffering helps us because it is an opportunity to grow in our trust in God who will always bring good out of the difficulties we experience. When we are speaking the truth to people who oppose our Catholic faith, even when we are suffering due to their harsh words, we can express our genuine and pure love for them by remaining gentle which can help people more than by simply returning anger. By detaching ourselves from things which just give us worldly pleasure or from occasions of sins, even if it's difficult, this is a sign that we truly love God because of our willingness to do everything just to be with Him in heaven. The Advent season is also a time for our purification which can only happen if we are willing to endure sufferings while remaining steadfast in our faith in God. Our participation in the sacrifice of Christ can bring conversion to many people, even those whom we may not personally know, because God heard our prayers, and He is delighted by our love manifested in our sacrifices. Through our sacrifices, God will take away the darkness in our hearts and open our eyes to see the gift of salvation.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/