There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea. (1Kings 18)

Before Ahab sets out, he is instructed by the Prophet Elijah to check the weather forecast! So it seems.

Weather predictions! It appears to be an ancient practice to look to the sky, sense the winds, and forecast the weather. The weather in our ordinary lives acts at times as a determinant interfering with the designs of the day. Severe thunderstorms predicted, hail, winds, ice, tornado warning, etc.  We turn to the weather caster for direction. Or maybe the Farmer’s Almanac to plan ahead? Put the car in the garage, go to our places of shelter, or anticipate and prepare the outing for the sun will shine and the crops will be watered. We live in constant relationship with our universal weather patterns.

As a global community we grow more and more aware of climate change and our responsibility as stewards of the earth. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, Praise be you my Lord through all kinds of weather! And It’s right to praise you in Zion, O God! (Psalm 65)

While we live daily in the midst of weather conditions, are we also aware of our relationship with God? Do we turn to God for direction when caught in the internal storms of our lives? Our personal weather patterns that stir within us can lead to regrettable actions. Can we see the hand of God guiding us? Even in a little whisp of a cloud?

Jesus addresses this in our Gospel today. He teaches the importance of reconciliation. The importance to heal and stop the storms, violent behaviors, killings, disagreements, that we as humanity are so readily responsible for doing.  What is needed to be let go of to allow healing to happen? How can the rift between friends, family, nations, colleagues, employees, genders, races, and creeds be mended? Don’t let pride or righteousness be barriers to the peace and harmony needed for living and restoring right relationships. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger! (Ephesians 4:26)

Be reconciled with one another. Be a reconciler. Be a peacemaker. Be a small hand of God reaching out in the horizon as witness, guide, prophet, and ambassador of good will. This is the way to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

PEACE be with you!