Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
-John:15:4
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…
-John 14:27
I am with you always… even to the ends of the world.
-Matthew 28:20
I can’t believe that we’re still in hurricane season…. and haven’t left town even once. (Knock on wood!)
As the church embraces the season of Celebrating the Creation, I wonder,how are hurricanes and other “natural disasters”, the so called “acts of God”, part of the goodness of creation?
A few years ago at this time of the year, I was pondering the same question while I was praying and meditating. I felt the presence of an angel with me (was it a daydream?). “You are wondering about hurricanes? Take my hand and we’ll go visit one.” she told me. It felt very safe as we soared in daylight through the deep blues, until I saw what I knew was the hurricane in front of me,
It felt very powerful but I wasn’t frightened. “Hi Richard, Do you want to talk to me?” He asked.
“Why do you blow things down and destroy with your breath?” I asked.
“That’s just what we hurricanes do.” He replied: “We blow with strong winds because that’s how God created us to be. We just follow the rules of physics. We don’t mean to hurt anyone or destroy houses. Don’t take it personally.”
“I understand that, but couldn’t you take your torrential winds somewhere else where people aren’t harmed?” I asked.
“I can change my course a little, but then I might destroy some other person’s city or factory or forest,” the hurricane replied.
“Well, at least slow down!” I pleaded.
“I can’t.” he said, “Warming temperatures, warming earth, warming oceans; all that heat has to go somewhere. I’m just doing my job redistributing it. You know, the Laws of Thermodynamics and all that. I didn’t write ‘em but I’ve gotta obey them. Just like you humans have to as well. Don’t blame me. Blame God. Can’t talk any more. Gotta blow! Sorry.” He said. Then he wheeled away.
At 45,000 feet, where the big winds blow, the angel and I looked at each other, “Don’t blame God.” she repeated. “God doesn’t want people to suffer that way. But hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires, floods all exist responding to the Laws of Nature.”
“Don’t blame God.” She repeated. “You know, humans have responsibility for the Creation too. You’re created in God’s image. God told you to take care of the Earth. God expects you to do something along with Him,”
“But, but…. Jesus….!” I exclaimed.
“There will always be hurricanes in nature, Richard, and hurricane-like personal disasters for people. In each and every instance, though, the loving Father who created his beloved-who-is-suffering will be there, bringing love and strength.
“But, but…. Jesus….!” I exclaimed.
“Jesus is God looking like you. Jesus has taught you what to do. Jesus didn’t escape suffering and death. The earth shook and quaked when He died.” The angel added. “And now, Jesus lives in and works through you. What is Jesus telling you?”
“To be responsible in all I do and to help others when disaster does hit and to be His arms, feet, ears, mouth, and heart to those who are suffering.” I replied.
I found myself back at my place of prayer and meditation. I felt a warm embrace from my guide.
“Peace, Richard. Peace,” she said. “Remember how Jesus said ‘I will be with you always.’”
Musical Reflection - Lord of the Dance - Lyrics By Sydney Carter
Lord, Almighty God. You have created for us, this “fragile Earth our island home”. You have set the world in order and established the laws of life and nature. Help us to see your love, power, glory, and order in all things. Give us reason and wisdom for the care of the Earth and each other. Lord Jesus, when the hurricanes of nature or the torrents of life threaten or overcome us, abide in us. Help us to abide in you. Help us to serve each other as you serve us. Whether the winds are violent or peaceful, may we always live in your love, grace, presence, and peace. Amen.
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