Today's Gospel in Art - Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him

Elijah fed by Ravens, by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino) 1620 © National Gallery, London

Gospel of 14th December 2019 - Matthew 17:10-13

As they came down from the mountain the disciples put this question to Jesus, 'Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?' 'True;' he replied 'Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.' The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.

Reflection on the Painting

Remember that shortly before this passage takes place, the disciples had just witnessed the Transfiguration of Christ where He was flanked by Moses and Elijah. This was of course still very much on their minds when they questioned Jesus in today's Gospel passage. The disciples sought clarification regarding the role of Elijah as a forerunner of the End Time. They believed that Elijah had to return for the reign of God to come about, but Jesus tries to move them on by telling that the work of Elijah has already been done by John the Baptist!

It shows how God moves at a different pace from us. Sometimes we can be stuck in the past and miss what is right in front of us and miss God's presence in the here and now....To read on see: www.christianart.today/daily-gospel-reading/264