December 13, 2014
Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Gospel Mt 17:9A, 10-13
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
The image of “coming down from the mountain” is a familiar line now, especially when the ADZU High School moved to the current site in Tumaga. Coming down from there means to once again be in the noise of the urban city; going up means to be in an environment that is less chaotic and noisy. And yes, up in the mountain, the skies above can be much appreciated…parang mas malapit ang Diyos! J
Elijah is said to be one, if not the boldest prophet in the Old Testament. The gospel today reminds us of the critical role Elijah took in God’s continuing act of saving humanity. He chose to speak the truth and to defend the faith amid all the challenges during his time.
What can I learn? “Would my coming down from the mountain” make me take on a stand that may be unpopular but might just be prophetic? Could I come down from the comforts of the mountain and mingle in the urban world, and yet not lose sight of what is the ideal? Could I choose to come down from the mountain, strive to be like Elijah or John the Baptist, and simply speak and proclaim the truth even if it would mean being misunderstood? At times it could mean feeling jittery, only because we tend to forget that the good that we strive to do is really God’s project working through us.
May the examples of the prophets like Elijah, John the Baptist, and the very life of Jesus Christ continue to be an inspiration to each of us as we strive to find our own niche in the whole scheme of God’s love story with humanity.
Ruth Guerrero
Faculty, High School
