🕁 The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elijah.
All-Night Vigil Feast.
James 5:10-20; Luke 4:22-30.
Read James 5:10-20
In today’s reading, St. James reminds us, “As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord” (Jas 5:10). One such example is the holy, glorious prophet Elijah, whose memory we celebrate today.
Recall that Elijah lived in tumultuous times, not unlike our own. The Israelite nation had fallen away from the faith of their Fathers, and abandoned the worship of the true God, preferring instead the worship of pagan idols, introduced by the king Jeroboam. Persecuted for his steadfast faith in the true God, Elijah had to suffer much at the hands of Jeroboam and his wife Jezabel; yet, because he remained faithful and endured his suffering patiently, he eventually saw the triumph of the God of Israel in a most spectacular manner.
Elijah confronted King Ahab over his idolatry, urging repentance and a return to the worship of God. Ahab refused to listen, so Elijah warned that drought would follow—no rain or dew until his prayer released it. His word proved true, and the skies stayed shut for three and a half years, bringing famine across the land.
Having to flee from Ahab’s persecution, God directed Elijah to a hidden ravine east of the Jordan, where ravens miraculously brought him food. Once the brook dried up, God sent him to Zarephath, to a destitute Gentile widow facing starvation with her child. Trusting the prophet’s word, she baked bread from her last flour and oil—and both supplies remained unexhausted throughout the famine.
When the three years ended, God sent Elijah back to Ahab, promising rain, and instructed that Israel and Baal’s prophets assemble on Mount Carmel. Two altars were raised—one for Baal’s priests, one for Elijah. Whichever deity answered with fire would be proven true. Baal’s prophets pleaded all day in vain. Elijah then built his altar from twelve stones, soaked it thoroughly, and prayed—fire fell from heaven, consuming everything, and the people declared, “The Lord, He is God!”
In all these events, the prophet Elijah suffered patiently and God provided for him in every circumstance. If this was true all these years ago, it is no less true today. God continues to provide for his faithful ones, especially as we struggle to stay faithful in trying times. Let us continue to struggle patiently, no matter the circumstances, with confidence that our good God is with us, and persevering we continue to be made into His likeness. Through the prayers of our holy father, the holy, glorious prophet Elijah, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God have mercy and save us!