Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Today’s readings present us with two prophets, Elijah and John the Baptist. The disciples are left in an awkward position when Jesus tells them that John the Baptist was in fact Elijah, and he has already come and gone. To be fair to the disciples, however, the images we are presented with are quite different. Elijah is described in Sirach as being assumed into heaven on a fiery chariot, while John the Baptist was quietly executed in prison. The connection might not have been as apparent as we think today.

Thankfully, we can learn from the disciples’ embarrassment. There are prophets among us today, calling on us to redirect ourselves back to Christ, just as John the Baptist did. But often, these voices are drowned out in the onslaught of 24/7 news and busy work schedules. Even in the Church, voices sowing division or confusion can drown out the voice of the prophet reminding us of our Baptismal call. How do we sift through all of this noise so that we will recognize the prophets among us? We remember that as Christians we proclaim Christ who loves us and wills that we love one another. A true prophet will always direct us to this truth, not to himself or any agenda. Additionally, we must not be afraid to be prophets ourselves. The remaining time of Advent can be a time to share Christ’s love with someone who has forgotten or become deaf to it, so that through our small acts of prophetic mercy “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”