Year A: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 First Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9, 11-13

The First Reading looks back into the Old Testament and finds a story which echoes the theme of today's Gospel.

Elijah has weathered a few storms in his life as a prophet and has fled for his life. He has reached the end of his own strength and has asked God to end his life as he cannot go on any more.

Then comes the call - come out and meet Me. Elijah stays in the cave!

And so, the power of God is expressed in wind - Elijah stays put. Then an earthquake - and again, Elijah does not respond. Finally, the power is expressed in fire - but again, Elijah stays in the cave.

He cannot find God in any of those things.

It is only after the drama and noise - as everything becomes still that Elijah becomes aware of the gentle breeze and recognises in that breeze the presence of God.

Then he is able to wrap his cloak around him - and go out to face the world - secure in the knowledge that deep within and far beyond is the calm and certain presence of God.

Like Peter - he has learnt that God can work through dramatic signs and wonders - but it is the still small voice that is the surest sign of His protective and enduring love.

What does it mean for me?

How could you make time and space to enjoy the stillness and perhaps hear the still small voice of God?

Text © 2007 Wellspring

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