Elijah, an Old Testament prophet is a model for the Carmelite Spirituality. He is known for his fiery zeal and miracles. Though he was a public figure, he was aware of the “silent whispers” of God in his life. Because of this influential figure, the Carmelites practice an active and contemplative life.
“According to the First Book of Kings, chapter 18, Elijah’s sacrifice was consumed by fire, which proved to the people that Yahweh was the true God.
Undertaking God’s work, Elijah started a journey through the desert, but he lost his focus and commitment to the project. Sitting under a bush, he wished to die. But God prodded him to continue his journey to Mount Horeb. There Elijah became aware of God — not with the usual eye-catching signs of fire and earthquake, but rather as a gentle breeze. Elijah was sent back to his people refreshed. From Elijah, Carmelites learn to become aware of the presence of God in the unexpected and to be silent enough to hear God’s whisper.”
May we imitate Elijah and seek to listen for God’s whisper.
Source
carmelites.net