In today’s first reading, we see the great faith of the prophet Elijah, who is patient and confident in God’s providence to bring His grace-filled rain to end the drought. When there is no visible sign of rain, Elijah remains attentive. As Elijah listens for the voice of God, he is able to “hear the sound of a heavy rain.” In faith, Elijah climbs Mt. Carmel. Within Carmelite spirituality, the climbing of Mt. Carmel is a symbol of progressing upward on the spiritual journey of life. When he reaches the top, Elijah bows down and prays. He instructs his servant to check for rain, but there is nothing. Instead of losing hope, Elijah prays again and again, but still there is nothing. The scripture tells us, “Seven times he said, ‘Go look again.’” We see here the great perseverance that Elijah had in prayer.
I think of how many times I miss the miracle in the distance because I am distracted by the noise of the world. I think of how many times I lose hope in the middle of the droughts of life and, instead of climbing on, I slide down into the pit of discouragement. But today the Church gives all of us this passage to encourage us through our seasons of drought and to inspire us as we climb Carmel. We must seek to imitate Elijah, to have faith in God’s providence, and to persevere in prayer. God is so patient with us; we must be patient with Him.
Finally, “there is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Within Carmelite spirituality, this small cloud is viewed as a symbol of Mary. The bitter sea water represents her humanity, and the smallness represents her humility. She intercedes for us in our times of need, in our droughts, and she brings us her son, the Heavy Rain. May we imitate this cloud as small as a man’s hand; may we imitate this Handmaiden of the Lord, and may we humble ourselves and bring the refreshing dew of Christ to those around us who are hopeless amidst the drought.
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