Saturday, December 12, 2020 - Second week of Advent - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 17, 10-13 - Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: every living being will see the salvation of God.

After witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, Peter, James and John come down together. They did not stay there because they wanted to build three tents and stay there: the Gospel must be proclaimed and the teaching must continue. Instead, on the way, the disciples take the opportunity to ask Jesus questions and he answers them with love. There is a lesson to be learned from this. First of all, let's take advice if there is something unclear in the life of faith, so that there is no doubt or it becomes superstition. Some people, to be sure, don't hesitate to ask questions even though they know. However, let this not be used as an opportunity to trick or tempt. Clearly, this means that when it is not clear, it is always better to ask: let us consult a priest or a friend who can provide some answers. Secondly, it also teaches us to give a clear and satisfactory answer to the person who needs our help without falling into arrogance or condescension.

Having said that, we will examine the content of Jesus' teachings. According to the tradition of Israel (Malachi 2, 23), Elijah should come to prepare for the coming of the Messiah by converting and gathering the people. Jesus says here: "Elijah will come to put all things in their place. But I tell you, Elijah has already come; instead of recognizing him, they have done to him whatever they wanted". In simple terms, the work of Elijah that they were waiting for, John the Baptist had done by preaching the baptism of conversion. But they did not recognize John. The reason was that they did not want to believe, they were still sleepy and distracted, and could even dare to say about John that it was not him they were waiting for. So the bottom line is this: let us accept the teachings of those who lead us in faith and avoid discrimination. The real problem is that even though John the Baptist did his best, they are still waiting for someone else. Elijah and John the Baptist, preaching conversion today, is the Church, so let's be docile and always let ourselves be guided by the Church.