Well, our legislation is clear. The prophet “Elijah stands out as Carmel’s source of inspiration, as he contemplates the living God and burns with zeal for his glory. We look upon his prophetic charism as the prototype of our own vocation to ponder God’s word and proclaim it to the world.” (Constitutions OCD 2)
In the Basilica of St. Peter’s Rome, there is a statue of the prophet Elijah with the inscription, “The entire Carmelite Order erected this statue to its founder.”The statue faces Saints Dominic, Benedict, and Francis of Assisi.
This is why the words of Pope Francis during Wednesday October 7 resonated so deeply in our Carmelite hearts. Speaking to the faithful in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope described the prophet Elijah as “one of the most compelling characters in the whole of Sacred Scripture. He goes beyond the confines of his time,” the Pope said.
The Pope focused on two aspects – his prayer life that was incarnated in his life and his wisdom in the sense that he was always able to discern Lord’s will and denounce injustice, even at great personal cost.
“This is the story of Elijah,” the Pope concluded, “but it seems written for all of us.”
“In some evenings we can feel useless and lonely. It is then that prayer will come and knock on the door of our hearts.”
“Even if we have done something wrong, or if we feel threatened and frightened, when we return before God in prayer, serenity and peace will return as if by miracle.”
