1 Kings 19:9, 11-16 / Matthew 5:27-32
If we had been through a storm, we will know that it is quite a frightening experience. There will be heavy rains together with lightning and thunder.
In a situation like this, we would surely want to stay indoors and keep ourselves away from the chaos happening outside.
But if the chaos of the storm is not outside but inside, then it certainly means distress and turmoil.
Like how the 1st reading described the mighty wind - it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks.
And when we are in distress and in turmoil, that is how we feel - we feel torn and shattered.
And surely we wouldn't think it is a blessing. Neither would we think that God is speaking to us in that distress and turmoil.
For the prophet Elijah, he had to endure the mighty wind, the earthquake and the fire before he heard the sound of a gentle breeze and there he heard the voice of God.
So the mighty wind, the earthquake and the fire prepared Elijah to hear the voice of God in the sound of a gentle breeze.
Certainly, we would hear the voice of God in quiet and peaceful surroundings. But the distress and turmoil of life will certainly sharpen our openness to the voice of God in a calmer situation, as it did for Elijah.
So when we are in distress and in turmoil, let us give thanks to God and see it as a blessing. Because God is going to speak to us softly.