Why Are You Here?

Have you seen The Quiet Place? That movie got to me! If you haven’t seen it, spoiler alert! (You’ve been warned.) I mean, seriously ladies, who can give birth without making a sound, especially after stepping on a nail that caused viewers more anxiety than the Stranger Things monster? And, am I the only person who was thinking about Revelations 12 during the bathtub scene when the “dragon”-like monster was waiting to devour momma and her infant baby? Oh, I am? That's awkward.

Forgive my rant, but the point of bringing up The Quiet Place has to do with the First Reading today. I have always loved 1 Kings 19, and as an adult, I have grown to appreciate it even more. When I was young, I needed the thrill of retreats and youth conferences, Christian concerts with loud praise and worship music, speakers who entertained me, and big emotions to trigger a sensation of being close to God.

But now I need simplicity and silence. I crave daily Mass without music and a heartfelt five-minute homily. I want time to journal and read Scripture or an inspiring book. I desire Adoration in a quiet chapel. I find comfort not in large groups, but instead in a small community of believers who pray and care for one another intentionally. There are days I demand the noise to silence so I can hear God.

God is frequently speaking to us. We can hear Him in the “tiny whisper sound” after the destructive fire. But we have become so accustomed to persistent noise that sometimes we cannot hear Him. God wants to hold us close to His words, so close we feel His Sacred Heart beating.

God is in the praise and worship as much as He is in the silence. You can feel Him when the Earth quakes and on the secure soil. God is in the fire as much as He is in the tranquility of the ocean.

God is in the fire as much as He is in the tranquility of the ocean.Click to tweet

Take time today to shut off the noise and listen to God whisper your name and ask you the same question He asked Elijah, “Why are you here?”

Tricia Tembreull is a California girl with a Texas-sized heart for hospitality. She serves as a Parish Coach for Life Teen, International, and joyfully travels around the globe training, empowering, and praying with youth ministers. When not on a plane, she is either in church, spending time with family or friends, in the kitchen cooking up something delightful, or on the beach for an evening walk. You can find out more about her here.