Years ago, I had the good fortune to meet Kenneth Leech, the Anglican theologian and spiritual writer who was as famous for his commitment to justice as he was for his wisdom on the inner life. Over breakfast, I told him I was writing a book about Christian mysticism and asked him for a word of advice. Replying in his beautiful Mancunian accent, he said, “Whatever you do, don’t call yourself a mystic. That would be like calling yourself a saint. If you want to be a mystic, then pray for the grace to simply be one. Leave it to other people to decide what to call you.”
I’ve tried to follow Ken’s advice, focusing more on living the life I believe God has called me to live, without worrying about what others may call me—or think about me. Sirach’s praise for Elijah reminds me of that conversation. I think Elijah might have been embarrassed at being described as “awesome” and “wondrous,” “whose words were as a flaming furnace” and who was “taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire.” Sure, the Bible depicts Elijah as a larger-than-life figure, but I bet he would have coughed modestly and chalked it all up to divine grace.
Most people are not destined to be great prophets or renowned mystics—but we are called to be faithful, to trust in God, and to orient our lives toward forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. Maybe others won’t remember us for bringing down fire—but if our hearts are on fire with the love of God, that’s good enough for me.
