Elijah and John the Baptist

At every Passover Seder, Elijah's the one with the special wine goblet. At every Jewish circumcision, he's the one with the special chair. And at the end of every Sabbath, he's the one Jews pay tribute to in song. He's a prophet, miracle worker and champion of the poor. He's an ethical role model and solver of centuries-old disputes over Jewish law. He's also the only prophet the Bible never says died.

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and baptism. He predicted the Day of Judgment using imagery similar to that of Malachi. He also preached that the Messiah was coming. All of this was done in a style that immediately recalled the image of Elijah to his audience. He wore a coat of animal hair secured with a leather belt (Mt 3:4, Mk 1:6). He also frequently preached in wilderness areas: near the Jordan River. In the annunciation narrative in Luke, an angel appears to Zechariah, John's father, and tells him that John "will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God," and that he will go forth "in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk 1: 16-17)."

Both are very closely related to the coming of the Messiah. Their importance is felt in their vocation to turn the hearts of many to God. That is a necessity and a challenge in the season of Advent. We need their message and exemplary lives to understand and appreciate the Coming of the Messiah. It was John the Baptist who pointed out to people, Behold the Lamb of God. We will behold God only through turning our hearts to Him in great faith and humility. Amen.