Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Elijah and John the Baptist were like fire; their words were like a flaming furnace. As the saying goes, the truth hurts, and the prophets’ vocation was to point out the truth of people’s sin they hoped to ignore. Fire is destructive, yes, but fire is also purifying. We know that the lifecycle of a forest needs fire to clear underbrush, providing space and nutrients for new growth.
Elijah and John spoke with precision. They did not mince words nor were they searching for clarity in the situations in which they found themselves. How did they do this? They could do this because of their closeness to God. In particular, they did this because they reverenced silence. Both went to deserted places to listen to God’s word. Elijah even went up a mountain to glimpse God’s presence. The Lord was made present to him, not in lightning, earthquake, or storm, but only in a tiny whispering breeze (1 Kings 19:9-13).
This is a busy time of year. It is hard to reverence the preparation that the Advent Season calls for if we do not cultivate silence. It is in turning off the radio in the car, taking out the earbuds while doing errands, and working at one thing at a time that helps us cultivate God’s word and our relationship with Him in all places. Even these small places for silence help us cultivate contemplative hearts—hearts that can precisely and clearly discern what is right and just.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections