I’m reminded of the story of the Prophet Elias. Running for his life, Elias sought that even the Lord might take his life from him. He couldn’t bear it anymore, though a valiant prophet and soldier of God. In the midst of his angst, he fell asleep (as we so often do). The Angel of God roused him and bid him to eat for strength for his journey. He departed the juniper tree and traveled 40 days and 40 nights, reaching God’s mountain Horeb.

But, he still had not “found God” and certainly peace had not replaced his angst.

Questioned by God, Elias responded “I have fought for you, all the rest have forsaken your covenant… destroyed your altars and your prophets. I, alone, am left…” God commanded Elias to stand outside that the Lord might pass by.

The famous line from scripture we all know: “A wind there was, rude and boisterous, that shook the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the WHISPER OF A GENTLE BREEZE.”

Why does the Precious Blood remind me of this moment in the life of Elias? Because the majesty of nature is not lost in the mystery of the miraculous, the sacred, the supernatural. Standing before the Holy Blood which purified sin, which made men and women new again…. One comes to realize this takes place not in the tumult of thunder and lightning, nor in the blaze of fire, nor in the cracking of the earth and rock…. No, it takes place in the gentle breeze. In the movement of man’s life source, his blood through his veins, the same blood which flows through the Body of Christ and, sanctified, over us, making us new creatures.