Every morning in the desert, one of the first things I do (after Morning Prayer) is to search the sky for signs of rain. Even the smallest of clouds is reason for hope. The heat has been unrelenting, but I know that one of these days the monsoon will begin. The air will be filled with the sweet smell of rain; the dust will soak into the earth; and the sage brush will bloom.
Carmelites recently celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the first Mass reading (1 Kings 18:42b-45a), Elijah has just defeated the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and he tells his servant to look out over the sea. Six times the servant reports that he sees nothing, but the seventh time he sees a small cloud rising from the sea. Soon, the sky grows dark, and rain begins to fall in torrents. Carmelites have long associated that small cloud with Our Lady, through whom an abundance of grace was poured out when she gave birth to the Savior of the world.
Living in desert is a good thing, and searching the sky for signs of rain is a good thing too. The desert reminds me of my need for grace. I need to be softened. The dust that has accumulated in my heart needs to be washed away.
Our Lady is a sign of hope for us all. The Immaculate Conception that Mary received from the beginning is the destiny that all of us are called to enjoy in the end. I cannot be another Mary, but I can be a channel for grace in the world in my own small way. All I need is for the Lord to bless me with an abundance of his grace. I know he will do it. I will not stop searching the sky until he does.
Reflections from Carmel 