Gospel Reflection for: December 14, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:9, 17:10-13 NRSVCE
In Matthew 17:9, 10-13, Jesus and his disciples are coming down from a mountain where they’ve just witnessed an amazing event – the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance was transformed and he spoke with Moses and Elijah. But as they descend, Jesus tells them to keep it a secret for now. He then explains that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah returning. Finally, he drops a bombshell: he’s going to suffer and be rejected. This passage isn’t just about ancient prophecies; it’s about how God’s plan sometimes takes unexpected turns, and how we can find hope even in the midst of suffering.
1. Keeping Secrets for a Reason
Imagine you’re planning a surprise party for a friend. You wouldn’t tell them about it beforehand, would you? You’d want to keep it a secret until the right moment. Jesus tells his disciples to keep the Transfiguration a secret until after his resurrection. It’s a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and sometimes, we need to wait patiently for His plan to unfold.
- We all have those moments when we want to know everything right now, when we’re impatient for answers or eager for change. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s timing, to wait for His perfect moment, and to believe that He’s working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.
2. Fulfilling Expectations in Unexpected Ways
The disciples were expecting Elijah to return before the Messiah came. But Jesus explains that John the Baptist, who had already been killed, was the fulfillment of that prophecy. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t always do things the way we expect.
- We all have expectations about how our lives should go, how God should work, and what the future should hold. But sometimes, God’s plans surprise us. This passage encourages us to be open to the unexpected, to trust that God’s ways are higher than ours, and to look for Him working in ways we might not have imagined.
3. The Reality of Suffering
Jesus tells his disciples that he’s going to suffer and be rejected. It’s a difficult truth to hear, especially after witnessing his glory on the mountaintop. It’s a reminder that following Jesus doesn’t mean a life free from pain or hardship.
- We all face challenges in life – illness, loss, disappointment, and even persecution for our faith. This passage reminds us that Jesus understands our suffering. He walked the path of pain before us, and He promises to be with us every step of the way.
4. Finding Hope in the Promise
Even though Jesus talks about suffering, he also speaks of his resurrection. It’s a promise of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, God’s plan is one of redemption and victory.
- Think about a time when you’ve gone through a difficult season in your life. Maybe it was a health scare, a financial crisis, or a broken relationship. But even in the midst of that darkness, you found a glimmer of hope, a reason to keep going. This passage reminds us that Jesus is our hope, our light in the darkness, and our promise of a future where all things will be made new.
A Prayer for Understanding and Strength:
God, help us to trust in your plan, even when it takes unexpected turns or leads us through difficult seasons. Give us the wisdom to recognize your hand at work in our lives and the strength to face challenges with faith and courage. May the hope of Jesus’ resurrection sustain us through every trial and fill us with joy as we anticipate the fulfillment of your promises. Amen.
Remember: God’s plan is bigger than we can imagine. It might not always make sense to us, but we can trust that He’s working for our good, even in the midst of suffering. Let’s hold onto hope, embrace the unexpected, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.