Reflection
In the first reading today, “a sage of Israel” known as Ben Sira retells incidents from the ministry of the Northern Kingdom of Israel’s prophet Elijah, originally related in 1st and 2nd Kings. Sirach will remember how Elijah called down fire on the evil kingdom of Ahab. He “…shut up the heavens” is an allusion to the three years drought (1 Kg 17) and “…reduced them to straights”, in other translations “…brought famine upon them” (RSV-CE), resulting in widespread starvation.
After passing on the mantle of prophecy to Elisha, Elijah will be taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kg 2). Sirach records the prophecy that Elijah would return as the forerunner of the Messiah who would bring reconciliation within the family and “…re-establish the tribes of Jacob”; regather the exiles of Israel.
“Coming down from the mountain” is the mountain of Jesus’ Transfiguration along with Moses and Elijah, and “the disciples” are the three witnesses of that event. The disciples, recalling the prophecy of Elijah’s role in the coming of the Messiah, question Jesus. Jesus will explain that the scribes were correct in their teaching and expectation, also foretold in Malachi, (3:1, 4:5), but wrong not to recognize John the Baptist as fulfilling that role. John’s preaching of repentance to Israel is in the spirit of Elijah and offers God’s faithful remnant a final opportunity for salvation. Even John’s clothing recalls Elijah’s distinctive dress. The failure of many to recognize John will prefigure their failure to recognize the Messiah he precedes.