Ever heard of a rain shadow?

It’s one of those terms I must have heard many times, but never paid any attention to. Until now.

Here in San Jose, California, we’ve gone a number of months with ZERO rain.

Recently, there was a chance for showers in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay area. But not in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay area such as San Jose in Silicon Valley where we live.

The reason?

San Jose is in a rain shadow.

The weather app explained that a “rain shadow” is formed by mountains (or in our case by the high hills surrounding Silicon Valley) that block the moisture-laden winds blowing off the Pacific Ocean.

San Jose probably won’t receive meaningful amounts of rain for another month, when children are going door-to-door trick-or-treating for Halloween.

In our lives, what are the causes of “rain shadows”? What “high hills” keep us from receiving blessings?

Jesus described some of them in his Sermon on the Mount: Grudges, Vanity and Hypocrisy.

Jesus told us not to bear grudges:

If you’re engaging in a religious ritual, but “remember that your brother or sister has something against you”, stop the religious ritual. “First go and be reconciled to them; then come [and perform the religious ritual].” (Matthew 5:23-24);

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary . . ..” (Matthew 5:25); and

“I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . ..” (Matthew 5:44).

Why should we not hold grudges?

Because Jesus assured us:

“[I]f you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15); and

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus told us not to be vain:

Do not show off by making vows and uttering oaths about all the wonderful things you will do. In reality, “you cannot make even one hair [on your head] white or black” (Matthew 5:36).

Do not show off how righteous, generous and pious you are. (Matthew 6:1-6).

Why not show off?

Because Jesus assured us:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3); and

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5).

Jesus told us not to be hypocrites:

Do not try to hide your wickedness by showing off how righteous, generous and pious you are. (Matthew 5:36; 6:1-6);

Do not try to hide the plank of wickedness in your own eye by pointing out the speck in another person’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5); and

Do not try to hide the fact that you are a “ferocious wolf” by wearing “sheep’s clothing”. (Matthew 7:15).

Why not be hypocrites?

Because Jesus warned us:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).

To see God, we must be pure in heart; not vain, hypocritical showoffs who hold grudges.

Why?

Because Jesus assured us:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

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For additional thoughts about rain shadows, please read my blog “Rain Shadows: Troubles, Persecutions, Worries, and Deceitful Wealth”.

For additional thoughts about putting the Wisdom of the Sermon on the Mount into practice, please read my blogs: “Building Houses on Rock: Mission Impossible?”, “Building Houses on Rock: Mercy and Forgiveness”, “Building Houses on Rock: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”, “Building Houses on Sand: Specks and Planks”, and “Rain Shadows: Troubles, Persecutions, Worries, and Deceitful Wealth”.

For additional thoughts about overcoming hypocrisy and other “rain shadows”, please read my blog “The Good Dentist: Deep Cleanings”.