10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. 

Elijah had called down fire from heaven, defeated the prophets of Baal, and led the Israelites back to faith in the Lord. He announced to King Ahab the long-awaited end of the drought, and the rains had come. What a vindication of all his work!

But then, after one death threat from Queen Jezebel, Elijah fled. Was he afraid, even after he had seen God move so powerfully? Yes. The Scriptures tell us of a dispirited, worn-out man who needed angelic help to make his journey to the mountain of God.

Elijah retreated to seek the Lord at Mt. Horeb, where Moses had received the Ten Commandments. He may have arrived afraid, tired, and lonely, but he left with a renewed sense of confidence and direction.

Haven’t we all felt like Elijah sometimes? Perhaps our battles aren’t as intense or as high stakes as his were, but we all go through challenging times that drain us physically and emotionally. In those moments of discouragement or weariness, the best thing we can do is to retreat to be with the Lord. Even when we don’t feel especially depleted, it’s still a good idea to take regular opportunities to recharge with our God.

There are many ways to do this. You might cut back on social engagements for a week or two and spend the extra time in prayer. You might attend an event at your parish or get away and clear your mind by praying and reading Scripture with some friends. Or you could carve out a few hours on a Saturday and turn off your phone, close the door, and pour out your heart to God, either at home or in the Adoration chapel at church. The point isn’t what you do or where you do it; it’s to take time to be with Jesus and let him refresh you.

How might God want you to “retreat”? Think about it. But for today, you can start by taking a few minutes, right now, to be with the Lord. Shut out your distractions as best you can and follow Elijah’s example. Step back from the world and listen for the Lord.

“Lord, help me to retreat to be with you.”

Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
Matthew 5:27-32
1 Kings 19:9, 11-16