The Prophet Elijah

The Prophet Elijah

"In looking to the venerable fathers of old, especially to the Prophet Elijah, whom it regards as its inspiration, the Order becomes more fully aware of its contemplative vocation which makes it intent on hearing God’s word, and on searching in great solitude and in total detachment from the world for 
the supreme treasure, the precious pearl of his kingdom.” 

Constitutions 2

The Prophet Elijah

"In looking to the venerable fathers of old, especially to the Prophet Elijah, whom it regards as its inspiration, the Order becomes more fully aware of its contemplative vocation which makes it intent on hearing God’s word, and on searching in great solitude and in total detachment from the world for 
the supreme treasure, the precious pearl of his kingdom.” 

Constitutions 2

A great prophet

Eight centuries before Christ the prophet Elijah, one of the most dynamic and compelling figures of the Old Testament lived on Mount Carmel in North Palestine. It was here that he challenged and overcame the prophets of Baal thus restoring the faith of the people in God. It was here, too, that at the prayer of Elijah rain fell in torrents and the land which had suffered intense drought and famine for three years became fertile once more. 


"With zeal I have been zealous 
for the Lord of Hosts."
1 Kings 19:14

A great prophet

Eight centuries before Christ the prophet Elijah, one of the most dynamic and compelling figures of the Old Testament lived on Mount Carmel in North Palestine. It was here that he challenged and overcame the prophets of Baal thus restoring the faith of the people in God. It was here, too, that at the prayer of Elijah rain fell in torrents and the land which had suffered intense drought and famine for three years became fertile once more. 


"With zeal I have been zealous 
for the Lord of Hosts."
1 Kings 19:14

1  Kings 19: 12-13

"..and after the fire, a still small voice....And when Elijah heard it he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold there came a voice to him..."

An inspiration

Elijah confronted evil; obeyed the word of God, heedless of cost and discerned God’s presence in the ordinary. He proclaimed “As the Lord lives, in whose presence I stand…” These inspiring words encapsulate his life and mission: “As the Lord lives” confidently declares his unwavering faith in God…. “In whose presence I stand”, conveys the reality of his constant communion with the living God. These powerful assertions make Elijah a true role model for us as contemplatives whose mission it is to witness to God’s existence by our very way of life and to live always in his presence.  The feast day of the Prophet Elijah is 20th July.
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