Into the Cave and Beyond: An Encounter with the Presence of God
A reflection on the most recent Carmelite Conversations – A Troubled Heart: The Tragic in Life
I had ‘heard’ the stories of Elijah’s encounter with the Divine before, but not like this. Maybe it was the light, the spirit of those gathered, the gentle wisdom of the presenter, Fr Matthew Tonini O.Carm. Maybe all of this, along with the space in me? Somewhere, somehow, I was struck by the practicality of encounter, the burning direct question and the ever-present mystery of it all. Here, Elijah, have something to eat; you need to eat for what lies ahead. Elijah, “What are you doing here?” Not once, but twice.
It was apparent that Elijah was lost, bewildered and scared. What was also apparent was the tangible, direct, persistent and real presence of God. Elijah had given up. God hadn’t. Elijah, seemingly blinded by shame and despair, carries himself with these stories for forty days, finally arriving at a cave where again God reaches out.
It is in the nature of God to approach us, most especially, it would seem, when we are in the dark. In our suffering, God seeks us out, wanting to be with us, to be known. That is not the end of the story. Yes, we are met in the cave, but sometimes we need to be asked directly, “What are you doing here?”
God reaches out, wanting to be involved. Even enters the caves we are in so that we can encounter God’s presence – a spacious and enlarging silence beyond the limited and noisy story we’re telling ourselves. The darkness and suffering cannot be avoided or made absent, but we can, in our isolation and our angst, turn our hearts to a God who longs to meet us. We do not have to hide or be merged with the pain. It can be a source of entrance and connection – a portal to a deeper, more embodied and very real relationship.
With this in mind, we invite you to Into the Cave: Grief, Grace and the Music of Nick Cave – an evening of live music, story and shared reflection.
You don’t have to be a Nick Cave fan, or religious. Come as you are. To be human and in need of connection is more than enough.
This live, in-person event will be held on Friday 27 November at Whitefriars College, Donvale, Melbourne.
Book your tickets for Into the Cave and spend the evening with us.
We would love to be with you in the cave.
Take care,
Luke Edwards
Director – The Carmelite Centre Melbourne
