He is Elijah

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family

Matthew 11:11-15 — Jesus said to the crowds: "Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

(Parent)  Reread this part a few times aloud

“… among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

(Parent)  Read this meditation aloud to the family

John is the last of the prophets, and is among the greatest of men.  Jesus pays him an amazing compliment: “…among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist….”  There is so much to admire and to imitate in John.  Pay great attention to his character this Advent.  He is single-minded, intentional, different, bold, direct, courageous, and humble.   

Let’s all consider John the Baptist, or our favorite Gospel story about him, during prayer.  What virtue or quality do we lack that John had in abundance?  Ask for the powerful intercession of St. John the Baptist to help us devote our lives to Christ and to the people He has come to save.

As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)