Gospel of December 15 2018

Book of the Ecclesiastical 48,1-4.9-11.
In those days arose Elijah the prophet, like fire; his word burned like a torch.
He brought famine upon them and zealously reduced them to a few.
By command of the Lord he closed the sky, so he brought down the fire three times.
How famous you were, Elijah, with the wonders! And who can boast of being equal to you?
You were hired in a whirlwind of fire on a chariot of fiery horses,
designated to rebuke future times to appease anger before it flares up, to bring the hearts of fathers back to their children and restore the tribes of Jacob.
Blessed are those who saw you and who fell asleep in love! Because we too will certainly live.

Salmi 80(79),2ac.3b.15-16.18-19.
You, shepherd of Israel, listen,
seated on the cherubs you shine!
Awaken your power
God of armies, turn, look from heaven

and see and visit this vineyard,
protect the stump that your right has planted,
the sprout you've grown.
Let your hand be on the man on your right,

on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself.
We will never go away from you,
you will make us live and we will invoke your name.

From the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 17,10-13.
On descending the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus: "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
And he answered, "Yes, Elijah will come and restore everything."
But I say to you: Elijah has already come and they have not recognized him; indeed, they treated it as they wished. Thus also the Son of man will have to suffer through their work ».
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking of John the Baptist.