[Catholic Caucus Devotional] My Catholic Life! Catholic Daily Reflections: Seeking to Understand

As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17:9a & 10

The final book of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Malachi around the fifth century BC, contains a prophecy that Elijah would return to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah (see Malachi 3:23–24). The scribes used this prophecy to argue that Jesus could not be the Messiah since Elijah had not yet returned, at least not in the way they expected. This argument caused confusion in the minds of Jesus’ Apostles.

Just before the event in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, giving them a glimpse of His heavenly glory. This experience strengthened their conviction that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. However, as they descended the mountain, they asked Jesus about Malachi’s prophecy, seeking to understand how Jesus could be the Messiah if Elijah had not yet come. Jesus clarified this for them: “‘I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him…’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12–13).

As we grow in our faith and become convinced of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, we might also encounter what appear to be contradictions. For example, faith and science sometimes seem to conflict, even though they are ultimately harmonious. The existence of human suffering and injustice can challenge our understanding of an all-powerful, all-loving God. Moral questions can arise when we encounter differing opinions, and various other experiences might seem difficult to reconcile with the Word of God.

If you find yourself facing such challenges, take inspiration from Peter, James, and John. Allow your faith to deepen through moments of prayer and personal encounters with God. Then, do not shy away from questions that arise in your mind. If something seems contradictory to your faith, seek understanding. Turn to our Lord in prayer, study the teachings of the Church, read the writings of the saints, and trust that God’s Wisdom is perfect. It will clarify every apparent contradiction and dispel all confusion.

Reflect today on the example of these three Apostles seeking clarity from Jesus. They asked their question with faith, not with skepticism. They did not doubt but sought understanding. Imitate them with every question that arises in your mind so that you may find interior peace and become a beacon of wisdom to others.

Lord of true Wisdom, You are Truth Itself. As I grow in my faith and as my faith is challenged in daily life, help me never to doubt but to seek You all the more. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so that I may become ever more fervent in following You. Jesus, I trust in You.

The Month of December is Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

“ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”” (Luke 1:26-28)

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intentions for the month of December, 2025:

For Christians in areas of conflict
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

NAVARRE BIBLE COMMENTARY(RSV)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (To the Greater Glory of God)

First Reading

From: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

Elijah
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[1] Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire,
and his word burned like a torch.
[2] He brought a famine upon them,
and by his zeal he made them few in number.
[3] By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens,
and also three times brought down fire.
[4] How glorious you were, 0 Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
And who has the right to boast which you have?

[9] You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire,
in a chariot with horses of fire;
[10] you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written,
to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury
to turn the heart of the father to the son,
and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
[11] Blessed are those who saw you,
and those who have been adorned in love;
for we also shall surely live.

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Commentary:

48:1-16. This passage is a summary of the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The author highlights Elijah's mission to turn the heart of the father to his sons, to placate God's wrath (v. 10). In the New Testament these same words are applied to John the Baptist, with reference to his mission of preparing the way of the Lord (Lk 1:17; cf. Matt 4:5-6). Thanks to the preaching of those prophets, Sirach reminds us, a remnant of the people remained faithful (v. 16), and the continuation of the history of salvation was assured.

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Gospel Reading

From: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

The Transfiguration (Continuation)
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[9] And as they were coming down the mountains, [10] (And) the disciples asked Him (Jesus), "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come?" [11] He replied, "Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things; [12] but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will suffer at their hands." [13] Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

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Commentary:

10-13. Malachi 4:5 (3:23 in the Hebrew) speaks of the coming of Elijah the prophet before "the great and terrible day of the Lord", the Judgment Day. When Jesus says that Elijah has already come, He is referring to St. John the Baptist, whose mission it was to prepare the way for the First Coming of the Lord, the same as Elijah will have to do prior to His last coming. The scribes failed to grasp the meaning of the prophecy of Malachi; they thought it referred simply to the coming of the Messiah, the First Coming of Christ.

Outstanding reading from Sirach 48:

What was, what is, and what is yet to come … Moses and Elijah.

From: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

Elijah
---------
[1] Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch.
[2] He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number.
[3] By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire.
[4] How glorious you were, 0 Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! And who has the right to boast which you have?

[9] You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire;
[10] you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written, to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
[11] Blessed are those who saw you, and those who have been adorned in love; for we also shall surely live.

Acts1:5-7

[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

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