I took this peaceful scene along Route 48, the new highway in West Virginia, which I drove a friend to see this past Monday. (clicking on picture enlarges it)
I used some Scripture readings about silence and receptive prayer for today's Bible meditation. 1 Kings 19:11-13 has been a favorite for many years. The prophet Elijah is running away from Queen Jezebel who intends to kill him. He takes shelter in a cave on Mount Horeb, another name for Mount Sinai where Moses met God. God tells Elijah that God is about to pass by. The Lord is not in spectacular events like a powerful wind, an earthquake, a fire, God comes in "a sound of sheer silence."
In Luke 10:38-41 Jesus visits Martha and Mary. Mary is receptive, sitting and listening to Jesus. When Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping her with chores, Jesus says, "Mary has chosen the good part which will not be taken away from her." Most English translations have "better part," but Luke's Greek does not have Jesus saying that Martha has chosen the good part and Mary the better. There is no comparison. Jesus is simply saying Mary made the right choice.
These passages encourage us to wait in silence for God to help us feel God's presence within us. If we are to cultivate a rich interior life, it is essential that we make time for receptive prayer like Mary's.
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