Elijah and Peter experienced much hardship in their lives. But difficulties and afflictions, of themselves, do not help people see God. It is only in the quiet breeze, not in the earth-shaking forces, that Elijah hears God. When Peter pays attention to the storms surrounding him, he sinks. It is only when his gaze is on Jesus can he walk on water.

In the quiet moments after a hard day's work, Jesus goes alone to the mountain to pray. He praises and thanks the Father for the day and offers up all the storms and breezes of the day, the ups and downs of his spirit, to the Father. God gazes on the Son lovingly and listens.

Pope Francis reflects on prayer: "Prayer is the privileged place of exile. Revelation is given, that is, the passage from what one thinks of God to what God truly is. We are led by God through the dark night of the exile onto the way of contemplating His face. Finally we are changed and transformed into his likeness."

Let us, too, like Elijah and Jesus, find shelter in God's loving embrace in the quiet moments of the day, lay down our baggage, and rest a while in this privileged space that is prayer, where God is waiting to be with us.