The purpose of an icon is to facilitate an encounter, connecting the person viewing with the
person being viewed. Icons in the Orthodox tradition are sacramental in that they are
understood to make present what they depict. We look at the person in the icon and more
importantly they look at us holding us in their gaze. This reminds us that we are continually
held in the loving gaze of God our creator and life giver.
Eucharist: Elijah and the Raven
“Christ gathers us to be nourished by the Bread of Life.”
Elijah is a strong prophet, but we meet him here at his most vulnerable.
His service of the Lord and the proclamation of God’s word has lead him
into conflict with others, and he takes refuge in the wilderness
God sends ravens to Elijah, carrying to him the food that will sustain him
in this hour of his life.
This episode in Elijah’s life and relationship with God captures quite well the 21 st century
experience of a Church in need of renewed confidence in God’s gift in the Eucharist of new
energy; energy which only God can provide.
This icon is drawing us into an encounter with weakness and strength, hunger and
fulfilment.
Elijah’s coat of camel hair, orange-red in colour, is a symbol of the fire and fervour in the
depths of his heart. (Pause)
His garment is blue, symbolic of the mystical life - his relationship to God as mystery in his
life (Pause)
Elijah a strong prophet has upset the status quo by speaking the truth. He is here at his most
vulnerable; he has fled from conflict to take refuge into the wilderness. God sends the raven
to feed him (Pause)
Let us reflect:
How do I relate to the mystery of my life, especially where I meet a wilderness? (Pause)
As a Christian people we find ourselves today in a certain wilderness. Like Elijah we need to
trust in the ravens God sends us on a daily basis. The food of love and life given through
each member of the body of Christ to each other.