Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the gospel reading recounts a conversation Jesus had with his disciples as they were coming down from the mountain. At this mountain, the three disciples Jesus took with him, witnessed the Transfiguration. In addition, these disciples heard a voice from heaven confirming the identity of Jesus being the Son of God, with the instruction to listen to Him. We could easily imagine that they were perplexed about that experience, and they sought clarification in the teachings and the scriptures and compared them to what they just saw and heard. 

Jesus ultimately gave them details, bringing them to the understanding that the Son of Man is in their midst, and even more in the preparation for what was going to happen. Seemingly, the disciples came to the conclusion that the return of Elijah was fulfilled by John the Baptist, in his role as a forerunner to the coming of the promised Messiah. Did they really grasp the whole picture? Or did they focus on the challenging suffering leaving aside the resurrection?

Just as the disciples, we too might be in search of signs to understand our times or might need the wisdom to discern the prophecy. Are there some questions, doubts, confusion, or distractions we experience as we live in challenging times? Let us bring them all to Jesus, with a humble attitude of listening and believing. 

During this period of Advent, may we have our hearts disposed to listen to Jesus, recognize His presence in our midst, prepare for His second coming, and be witnesses of the hope of His resurrection.

Mia Gatoni is married to Marc and they have three beautiful daughters. She works with those who are new to the United States, helping them feel at home and welcome in our parish and in Abilene.