Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Today’s gospel begins with a descent from the mountain after the transfiguration, where Peter, James and John had just witnessed Christ’s radiant glory. They witnessed his face shining like the sun, and with him stood Moses and Elijah. It was a moment of divine revelation and awe, a sacred unveiling of who Jesus truly is.

As they descend and return to the ordinary path below, still holding the memory of the mountaintop, the disciples ask Jesus about Elijah. They recall the prophecy that Elijah must come before the Messiah. Jesus replies that Elijah has come, in the person of John the Baptist, but he was not recognised.

In this moment, Jesus affirms the faithfulness of God’s plan—a plan, which long ago, was foretold in scripture and now coming to fulfillment in Christ. John is not simply another prophet who accompanies us through Advent; he is the forerunner, the voice crying in the wilderness, sent to prepare the way of the Lord. His life and mission testify that God’s Word is trustworthy and true. John came with boldness, humility, and deep obedience to make straight the path for Christ Jesus.

For us today, this passage is profoundly relevant. Just as many in Jesus’ time struggled to recognise God’s presence in their midst, we too can overlook God’s presence in the ordinary everyday and the unexpected. And yet, Advent reminds us to place our trust in that same divine plan. And that our call, like John’s, is to prepare the way.