The great writer, C.S. Lewis, had an idea he explored many times:  that God has paid us, quote, “an intolerable compliment.” God made us to be something great and glorious,  and as much as we wish he’d just leave us alone,  that is—as Lewis said—to ask God to love us not more, but less.

 This is why we do what we do. This is where we arrive at the courage to live out our faith without watering it down. This is why when things get dirty, as Catholics, we roll up our sleeves and push full speed ahead.

 Today in the office of reading, we are meditating on the life of Elijah. He was a courageous man of God who at times was over come with fear. If you look at ch 19 of 1 book of Kings, you will discover that Elijah was afraid.

 The narrative relates that Elijah was "afraid and fled for his life...he went on a wilderness journey and sitting under a furze bush wished he were dead. 'O Lord' he said 'I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

 Now Elijah has hit rock bottom. He is ready to throw in the towel. Yet, God had not had enough of him.

 He sends an angel to encourage him to eat for the journey is long.  40 days and 40 nights he journey until he hears the whisper of God in the sound of a gentle breeze.

 Remember this. Discouragement will come. We will want to end it and give up.

 Yet God is never done with us whether we see it or not is not important. We must eat and keep our strength for the journey will be long and we must be in it for the long haul.

 As the first reading related today at mass: let not your courage fail...unless your faith is firm you will not be firm."