Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 13, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire—but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today comes from the Book of 1st Kings which recounts the prophet Elijah’s encounter with the LORD on the mountain.

Elijah had been told of the LORD’s coming, and so the prophet was waiting vigilantly. There were showy and powerful events such as driving winds, an earthquake and fire. But the LORD was not in those. Instead, the LORD manifested the divine presence through “a tiny whispering sound.”

How does this pertain to us today?

We need to ask ourselves if we are missing the presence of the LORD because we are looking for it in all the wrong places? Do we assume the presence will be manifested in showy, noisy, powerful acts? Are we capable of and willing to still ourselves so we might hear the LORD?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I wait for the LORD? Do I still myself so as to be attentive and receptive? Can I recognize the LORD in the stillness and simple?

Praying:

LORD, your power and presence are always and everywhere. Help me, LORD, to look for You in my moments, in my days. Help me to recognize You in the events of my day. Grant that I may discern your will for me and follow your will with joy. Amen.