The Institute for Christian Formation
Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
December 10, 2016
Elijah the Prophet figures prominently in both the First Reading (Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11) and the Gospel (Matthew 17:9a,10-13) assigned to this Saturday in the Second Week of Advent. Here are the readings. Elijah is a fascinating character in the Bible. When thinking of Elijah, perhaps the first image that comes to mind is the fiery chariot with fiery horses and Elijah being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Moses also appeared to Peter, James, and John when they were on the mountain with Jesus at Jesus’ Transfiguration.
Can you recall other stories about Elijah, who is one of the most important figures in the history of the Hebrew people? Set aside about fifteen minutes
Prophet Elias, 17th Century
today to learn more about Elijah. Open your Bible to 1 Kings 17:1 and read through to 2 Kings 2:17. What words, phrases, and images most strike you from your reading?
Elijah is often pictured in iconography with the raven bringing him bread (see 1 Kings 17:1-6). Invite children to draw a picture of the raven bringing the bread to Elijah. Bread is also symbolic in the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (see 1 Kings 17: 7-16).
Bake some bread today*. Enjoy your bread sitting around your table, with two candles lighted on your Advent Wreath. Let the
candle flames and the bread remind you of the stories of the Prophet Elijah, our Advent character for today! And don’t forget to share some of your fresh baked bread with those in your neighborhood who might be hungry for companionship this Saturday evening.
*If you enjoy baking bread, and/or are looking for some traditional bread recipes for seasons and feast days, a wonderful book is “Celebration Breads: Recipes, Tales, and Traditions” by Betsy Oppenneer (ISBN 0-7432-2483-3). Published by Simon & Schuster in 2003, this book not only provides recipes for breads traditionally baked for feasts and celebrations around the world, but also provides the background traditions and tales that accompany the recipes. “Celebration Breads” is a lovely addition to any “feast day baker’s” culinary book collection, and can also be found in the catalog of many public libraries.
Why not have a Family Game Night this Saturday evening? Play a rousing game of Advent Bingo from Loyola Press!
