The Whispers of His Love

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 6:45 pm Post subject: The Whispers of His Love

The Whispers of His Love

Scripture:

And when he (Elias) was come thither, he abode in a cave. And behold the word of the Lord came unto him.

And he said to him: Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord: and behold the Lord pass, and a great and strong wind before the Lord, overthrowing the mountains, and breaking the rocks in pieces: but the Lord is not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake: but the Lord is not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire: but the Lord is not in the fire. And after the fire, a whistling of a gentle air. And when Elias heard it, he covered his face with his mantle, and coming forth, stood in the entering in of the cave.
(1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a)

I speak the truth in Christ: I lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit: That I have great sadness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ, for my brethren: who are my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites: to whom belongs the adoption as of children and the glory and the testament and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises: Whose are the fathers and of whom is Christ, according to the flesh, who is over all things, God blessed for ever. Amen.
(Romans 9:1-5)

And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water, till he dismissed the people. And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone. But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea. And they seeing him walking upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear. And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear not. And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you upon the waters. And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat walked upon the water to come to Jesus. But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased. And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: Indeed you are the Son of God.
(Matthew 14:22-33)

Reflection:

We might wonder, how might we recognize the voice of God? Is it like the thunder which answered Moses from the mountain (Exodus 19:19) or is it the whisper of gentle air which was heard by Elijah? (1 Kings 19:12) What is revealed within scripture is that God speaks in many ways and through a variety of means, but if we are to know His voice, we must know the blessings of love. This is what He desires that we know. It is with the blessings of love that He desires we approach Him and one another. (Matthew 22:36-40)

If we listen for Him with only our ears, it is likely we will not hear Him, for while He has spoken with thunder, He prefers to speak with the whispers of love. If our ears are filled with the noise of sin, we will not hear Him over the din. If we listen with a heart open to hear His truth, one which is contrite and sorrowful for how we fail Him and one another, then, His love shall enter us. He prefers not to speak as the selfish and arrogant of the world speak, but as the faithful and humble of heart speak; with the soft whispers of civility, compassion, charity, and love.

Our Lord and Savior works in many ways. If we observe carefully, we will see His face in the the faithful. We will hear His voice in those who share the blessings of His love. We will find His fingerprints in what is done in compassion and charity.

As we travel our journey within the world, we should ask ourselves, do we seek to hear His voice? Do we seek Him in prayer? Do we seek Him in adoration? Do we seek Him within His Word? Do we seek Him within our hearts? Do we seek Him with faith?

We will not see Him as we look through the eyes of the world, but if we look through the eyes of faith and love, we will see the many ways He works within our lives. We will not hear Him with our hearts when they are filled with the noise of pride and envy, rather, we are likely to hear Him when our hearts are filled with the tranquility of love and faith. Blessed are those who listen for Him within their hearts, for He will guide them to His kingdom where there is no pain or affliction, where evil is not allowed to follow, and where love is shared by all.

What, then, do we allow to keep us from Him? We should examine ourselves and ask, are we more willing to trust the ways of the world rather than the ways of our Creator? In what ways are we like Peter, wanting to come to Him, but failing to trust His ways over the ways of the world? How, we should ask ourselves, may we increase in faith of the One sent to bring us eternal salvation? If we turn to Him, if we ask Him in prayer, if we approach Him with a contrite heart; He will lead us. Let us, then, open our hearts so He may fill it with the blessings and fullness of faith.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we seek to hear His voice?

What will help us to understand the purpose for His commandments?

In what ways may we strengthen ourselves through the blessings of faith?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier