Father Etienne: Unplug To Encounter God

Father Bernie Etienne, pastor of Evansville’s Holy Rosary Parish and diocesan administrator, served as homilist at the Aug 12 Mass celebrated in the parish by newly incardinated diocesan priest Father Crispine Adongo. He focused his thoughts on the Mass’ first reading, from the first book of Kings (1 Kings 19: 9a, 11-13). In that passage, neither wind, earthquake nor fire brought God to Elijah as he stood on a mountain. Instead, it was “a tiny whispering sound.”

“It’s in the quiet that we sometimes have the best opportunity to encounter God,” Father Etienne offered. “But the world is too noisy. If we’re not really deliberate in finding a quiet time and place, (encountering God) can be a real challenge.

“Everybody is plugged in,” he added. “If you get away from your phone for five minutes, you’re afraid you’re going to miss something. I’m the same way.

“My challenge to you today is this,” he continued. “What are you going to do to make some quiet to hear the voice of God?

“Find a place (in your home) and make it your prayer space. You may be tempted to play some music. Don’t; make it quiet and listen to the voice of God.”