Today’s first reading talks about Elijah, the great prophet whose words were like flaming furnace and who was taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. It was believed that Elijah will return and his return will signal the impending coming of the Messiah. For he was destined “to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord.” Part of the expectation is for Elijah to return in the manner he departed -- with such spectacle. In the Gospel, the disciples were puzzled about this anticipation of Elijah’s remarkable return. So, they asked, “why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus responded by saying Elijah came already, unknowingly to the disciples. John the Baptist was the forerunner the Jewish people were waiting for. He came without any fanfare, in a subtle and simple manner.

As we are invited this Advent season to be watchful and vigilant, we are also asked to focus our attention on the subtle and simple. The message about the Messiah has already been revealed and it has been conveyed in an unassuming manner. It might be very easy for us to miss it vis-à-vis the glitz of the Christmas season. Jesus himself was born in simplicity, on a borrowed manger. This Advent season, God calls us to open our eyes, minds, and hearts to the subtle and simple ways He seeks to come into our lives. I know our lives can be full of responsibilities and deadlines. We can be deeply entrenched on what we need to accomplish. Possibly, what can only grab our attention is that which is spectacular. May we recognize God in the ordinary. Perhaps in the smile of a person we encountered on the street, or the simple meal prepared by a loved one, or in the simple “thank you” from a co-worker.  Let us pray that we can discover the subtle and simple ways God is making his presence known in our lives.

As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. May these daily Advent reflections from the STM community help us see the holiness of the season in our everyday lives.