Scripture: Lectionary # 363

Scripture: Lectionary # 363, June 11. I Kings 19:9.11-16. Psalm
27:7-8,8-9,13-14. Matthew 5:278-32:

Elijah has an experience of God as he looks out of one of the caves on the
hillside. God is not in the booming sound of thunder, nor in the fire lit
by lightening, but is in the gentle breeze that usually comes in the
evening. The passage is a wonderful way of thinking about God' Presence as
well as having a quiet place where we can experience that Presence of the
Living Person we call God. The selection from Kings deserves a lot of our
time so that we, too, can experience what Elijah did in the silence and the
calmness of that gentle breeze that indicates how God is present to us.
The passage is an excellent one for a retreat whether that be a silent
retreat, a guided one, or a community centered retreat. But for many to
make or have a retreat is a luxury for their responsibilities and finances
prevent this.

We like Elijah can however find a "cave" where we can have some free
moments to contemplate how God is present in our lives. The experience
gave Elijah the courage to continue his confrontation of the leaders,
especially the kings of Israel. He is fearless because of his trust in God
who, in turn, rewards him with special gifts and the ability to move about
freely and safely. He is now on the verge of taking on the anointing of
Jehu as king--a political action made under the guidance of the spirit of
God in this prophet. If we sum up the criteria for a true prophet, then
Elijah has verified all of them in his prophecies and his miracles. Both
are done under the power of God's Presence with him.

One of the existing caves in Israel near Haifa, has many signs of the
prophet continuing his work even in the present and last century. Canes,
wheelchairs, and ex votos (written testimonies of healings) are within the
cave dedicated to Elijah and his marvelous works among the people of God.
It reminds us of Lourdes or other healing shrines dedicated to a person
close to God like Elijah or the Virgin Mary.

Elijah will be remembered by the prophet Malachai and we will be able to
see his influence on the writers of the New Testament in describing John
the Baptist. He is the prophet who not only was taken up into heaven, but
also was very involved with people here on earth. He leads them to pray
and to contemplate in the presence of God. No wonder his names is Elijah,
that is, My God is Yahweh. Amen.