Pastor's Reflection - August 16, 2026

Hearing The Still Small Voice Of God

Our first reading today is an important reminder of how difficult it can be to hear the voice of God in a world filled with so much noise and distraction.

Elijah’s faith had already been tested before this incident. Jezebel had threatened to take his life, so he fled and told the Lord that it was too much for him and asked Him to take his life (cf. 1 Kings 19:4). An angel then appeared and told him to eat a hearth cake and drink some water, warning him that otherwise the journey to Mount Horeb would be too much for him. This reminds us that neglecting our physical well-being can have a very negative impact on our souls and our faith.

The Lord often does not speak to us through dramatic signs, but through the “still small voice” or whisper, as He did with Elijah. Our world is filled with noise and with the desire to be noticed and affirmed through social media, and we often fail to hear that voice.

Below is a beautiful passage from The Imitation of Christ that expresses the desire to hear the Lord’s beautiful voice, which gives us the guidance and strength we need for our spiritual journey. In the words of the psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor

“I will hear what the Lord God will speak within me.”

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice that sounds without, but to the truth that teaches within. Blessed are the eyes that are closed to exterior things and fixed upon those that are interior. Blessed are those who penetrate inwardly and try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are those who long to give their time to God and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses so that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. “I am your salvation,” says your Beloved. “I am your peace and your life. Remain with Me, and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?” Leave all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain true happiness.  (Book 3, Chapter 1)