Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11 / Matthew 17:10-13
The prophecies in the Old Testament are understood as God speaking to His people then and also about what is to come, ie. in the future.
When it is about the latter, then those prophecies of old come to a new fulfillment in the New Testament, and especially in the person of Jesus Christ.
Also connected with Jesus Christ are also figures of the Old Testament and their roles which take on a new fulfillment in the New Testament.
One such figure is Elijah who was mentioned in the 1st reading. But he is also mentioned again in the gospel and his mission is now continued by John the Baptist.
During this time of Advent, we hear again the prophecies of the Old Testament which are fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ.
But the Word of God is alive and active and hence the prophecies are also alive and active and so is the mission of the prophets in our present times.
May the progressive lighting of the Advent candles shed light on our hearts and enlighten us on how the Word of God is alive and active and taking flesh in our lives.
May the Word of God also empower us to be prophets of our time so that we will turn our hearts and the hearts of our people back to God and receive His blessings of peace and joy.