Gust of Wind
Gustave Courbet, 1865

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, I would like to share some reflections on a passage from the book of 1 Kings, chapter 19, verses 9-13. This passage describes the encounter between the prophet Elijah and the Divine presence.

In this story, Elijah had been on a journey through the wilderness, feeling discouraged and afraid. He had been called to speak out against the idolatry of the people of Israel, and he was facing significant opposition. He had fled to the wilderness to escape persecution, and there he found himself feeling overwhelmed and alone.

But in the midst of his despair, Elijah had an encounter with the Divine. As he stood on the mountain, a great wind tore through the area, followed by an earthquake and a fire. But in the stillness that followed, Elijah heard a small voice, a voice that he recognized as the voice of God.

This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of stillness and silence in our lives. In our busy and often chaotic world, it can be challenging to find moments of peace and quiet. But it is in those moments of stillness that we are most likely to hear the voice of the Divine speaking to us.

Like Elijah, we may be facing challenges in our lives. We may be struggling with illness, financial difficulties, or relationship problems. We may be feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work or the demands of our families. But it is in those moments of stillness that we can find comfort and guidance.

Meditation and prayer are powerful tools for cultivating stillness and silence in our lives. By taking time each day to sit in silence and focus our minds, we can open ourselves up to the guidance of the Divine.

So I encourage you all to take some time each day to cultivate stillness and silence in your lives. Whether it is through meditation, prayer, or simply sitting quietly in nature, allow yourself to be still and listen for the small voice of the Divine speaking to you.

May we all find the courage and strength to face the challenges of our lives, knowing that we are not alone and that the Divine is with us always. May we all find moments of stillness and silence in our lives, and may we all hear the voice of the Divine speaking to us.