Heal the relationships

In today's Gospel (Matthew 17:9a, 10-13), our Lord says that Elijah will "come and restore all things."

Today's first reading (Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11) speaks of how Elijah is destined to "turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons."

In this time of preparation for the coming of Christ, as we traverse the stressful season between the traditional family gathering times of Thanksgiving and Christmas, may we pray for God’s grace to heal all the broken relationships in our lives and in our memories: that we may all live more fully in the light, the love and the truth of Christ.