1Kings 17, 7-16 As the LORD had foretold through Elijah

(1Kings 17, 7-16) As the LORD had foretold through Elijah

[7] After some time, however, the brook ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land. [8] So the LORD said to him: [9] "Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you." [10] He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink." [11] She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread." [12] "As the LORD, your God, lives," she answered, "I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die." [13] "Do not be afraid," Elijah said to her. "Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. [14] For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" [15] She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; [16] The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

(CCC 2582) Elijah is the "father" of the prophets, "the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob" (Ps 24:6). Elijah's name, "The Lord is my God," foretells the people's cry in response to his prayer on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:39). St. James refers to Elijah in order to encourage us to pray: "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective" (Jas 5:16b-18).