On Hurricanes and Other Storms

This beautiful satellite picture of Hurricane Irma fills me with wonder and awe. We've been following it on both the NOAA and Windy (very cool to see the wind patterns over the whole globe and in pretty colors too). Many in the Lowcountry have been evacuating already but it seems Charleston will be spared. We'll have heavy rain and flooding, but nothing devastating. But Florida! Irma is going up through central Florida, which is mostly farmland, and many of the people don't even have proper housing. All of Florida is going to suffer tremendously, and this just after the devastation in Texas with Harvey. I no longer think death the worst thing in the world. For Christ has opened the gate of heaven. The only thing I can think of is to pray. Lord Jesus, keep all in danger in the Palm of Your Hand. Never let us be separated from Thee. Parce Domine!

 

copied from AMU

 

I also picture all the people still at Ave Maria (including Max) in the beautiful oratory, designed to withstand a Cat 5 hurricane. I've been reading the updates and it's been so heartening to hear their focus on safety and service, preparations and prayer. We beseech Thee, O Lord, that all wickedness being driven away from Thy house, the fury of the raging tempest may pass away. Through our Lord Jesus.



Giotto ~ 1300 AD

Today is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary (her birthday). May she cover us all in her protective mantle. I came across this beautiful poem by Rev Gabriel of St Mary Magdalen, OCD.
Mary the Dawn, Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the Gate, Christ the Heav’nly Way!
Mary the Root, Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the Grape, Christ the Sacred Wine!
Mary the Wheat-sheaf, Christ the Living Bread;
Mary the Rose-Tree, Christ the Rose Blood-red!
Mary the Font, Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the Chalice, Christ the Saving Blood!
Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple’s Lord;
Mary the Shrine, Christ the God adored!
Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest;
Mary the Mirror, Christ the Vision Blest!
Mary the Mother, Christ the Mother’s Son.
Both ever blest while endless ages run.