SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OFADVENT TIME (Year II) First Reading: Sir 48:1-4. 9-11b Psalm: 80. R. v. 4 Gospel: Mt 17:9a. 10-13 The first reading of today reminds us of the great prophetic power of Elijah. He was a prophet feared by the people of his time. His deeds were wonderful and frightful. He called down fire from heaven, brought famine upon the land, and shut the heavens. The Jews feared and respected the prophet Elijah. According to the prophet Malachi (4:5-6), Elijah was to come before the Messiah. This was the reason why the disciples of Jesus while coming down from the mountain of transfiguration asked him of the coming of Elijah who was to come before him as prophesied by the Prophet.
...coming from the Church herself