Elijah The Prophet

Biography

Elijah The Prophet, also known as Elias the Prophet, is an Old Testament figure and a prominent prophet in the Catholic tradition. Born during a time of great spiritual unrest in the kingdom of Israel, Elijah played a crucial role in combatting the spread of idolatry and calling the people back to the worship of the true God, Jehovah.

His most significant encounter is recorded in the First Book of Kings when he confronted and challenged the prophets of Baal, who were under the patronage of King Achad of Israel and his Tyrian wife, Jezabel. Elijah boldly declared that Jehovah would bring a severe drought upon the land as a consequence of Israel's apostasy. During the subsequent three-year drought, Elijah sought refuge near the brook Carith, where he miraculously received sustenance from ravens.

When the brook eventually dried up, Elijah was directed by God to go to Sarepta, a place where he encountered a poor widow. In an act of remarkable charity, she welcomed Elijah and shared her meager resources. As a result, God rewarded her faith by miraculously multiplying her store of meal and oil, and he even resurrected her deceased son.

Elijah's most well-known feat occurred on Mount Carmel, where he engaged in a climactic confrontation with the prophets of Baal. He called upon the people to choose between Jehovah and the idols they had been worshiping. As a demonstration of God's power, Elijah's offering was consumed by fire from heaven, while the prophets of Baal were subsequently put to death by the people.

Following this victory, Elijah had to flee from the wrath of Jezabel, who sought his life. While seeking refuge on Mount Horeb, he received a divine commission from Jehovah. He was instructed to anoint Hazael as King of Syria, Jehu as King of Israel, and Eliseus (Elisha) as his own successor.

Continuing his prophetic ministry, Elijah reprimanded King Achab for his involvement in the murder of Naboth and also confronted Ochozias and Joram, Kings of Juda, for their unfaithfulness. It was during a conversation with his disciple Eliseus on the hills of Moab that Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, a miraculous event witnessed by Eliseus.

The influence of Elijah in the Catholic faith extends to the founding of the Carmelite Order, which traces its origin back to him. Furthermore, an apocryphal Apocalypse of Elias has been partially recovered in a Coptic translation, offering further insights into his life and teachings.

Elijah The Prophet is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, even though his canonization occurred before the formal process was established. He is honored on July 20th as a feast day. Revered as a model of zealous faith, he is sought as an intercessor for rain and protection against drought. Additionally, he is recognized as a patron for coachmen, air forces, and the Carmelite Order. Places such as Mount Carmel, Haifa in Israel, and several locations in Italy, including Buonabitacolo, Malito, and Peschici, also hold a special connection to him.

To learn more about Elijah The Prophet, you may refer to Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints, a comprehensive resource on the lives of saints. Additional visual representations and depictions of Elijah can be found at the following sources: http://stpetersbasilica.info/Statues/Founders/Elijah/Elijah.htm and http://www.santiebeati.it/immagini/?mode=album&album=63650&dispsize=Original.

For a visual representation of Elijah's story and legacy, a video playlist is available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5_ax08Z6UX-sN4LZyfzpI2ZBs8sn154z.