Who’s There?

I have the Merlin Bird app on my cell phone, and use it often. Sitting on the screened-in porch, I listen to birds call in surrounding trees. When curious about an unrecognized song, I use the app to record and identify the kind of bird who sings so beautifully. I’ve come to be able to identify cardinals, robins, blue jays, chipping sparrows, and one of my favorites: the Carolina wren.

Today’s first reading from 1Kings 19:9-16 recounts Elijah, taking shelter in a cave on a mountain, listening to identify the LORD “passing by.” He heard a strong and heavy wind, experienced an earthquake, and saw fire, but he kept on watching and waiting. Then, there was a tiny whispering sound. When Elijah heard this, he knew this was the LORD.

May we, like Elijah, wisely quiet ourselves today to identify Christ’s call in the stillness of our hearts. No app needed.