Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
“I long to see your face, O Lord” cries the author of today’s Psalm response (27:8b). We too have times in our lives where we cry out to God. We look around our world and struggle to see God, we like the Psalmist beg to recognize God’s presence among us. We seek to live on Earth as it is in heaven because our Earth is not yet like the Kingdom. Sin, sorrow, and pain, linger here. So we cry out, “Where are you, Lord? Please, show me that you are close?”
Hopefully, in these times of distress we cry out with the faith of Psalmist, who a few verses later affirms his belief that one day he’ll be united with God in the land of living, and partake in the bounty of the Lord, but must now wait in steadfast hope. (cf. 27:13-14). This is the faith of Elijah. When being hunted down by his own people retreats to the mountain of the Lord, seeking an encounter with the Lord.
Silent sound, that’s is how another translation of Scripture describes the voice of God as heard by Elijah in today’s reading. A silent sound. It is one of my favorite descriptions in Scripture. We are inundated with sound. As I write this reflection sitting on my front porch, I hear all sorts sounds. Birds chirp, several cars pass by, children play outside, and neighbors do yard work. Perhaps, as you read this you too have sounds surrounding you as well.
Elijah looks to God for guidance. Elijah hears the wind, the earthquake and the fire, but God is not there. Where then is God? The silent sound of a tiny whisper. The voice of God is so distinct that Elijah recognizes it instantly. The voice of God clearly guides Elijah in his next steps. Can we hear the same silent sound in our lives? Do we know where to look? Are we looking for strong winds, earthquakes, and fires? Or do we look in stillness and silence?
Silent Sound, who breathes life into us, show us where you are alongside us this day. We long to see your face, O Lord. Help us to find silence, to find stillness, to find You. Help us recognize your voice today as quickly as Elijah did. Then grant us the grace, strength, and courage to do what you ask of us, today. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, for ever and ever. Amen.
-Will Marsh