“Thank you Jesus!”

It’s kind of a reflex

And no, I have not gone religious and will not be shouting “Hallelujah” like the passionate ladies in hats, worshipping under tents or in half-built rural churches that are still a work in progress.

However, a couple of days ago I caught myself involuntarily exclaiming “Thank you Jesus!” when a few tentative, warm drops of rain began to fall on the dust-powdered ground outside. When we have no rain at all for two weeks or more, things start to wilt and the pounding heat increases daily.

So, I was indeed thankful, although the rain melted away some fifteen minutes later. But we are always grateful for mercies, however small.

I laughed at myself, because this is auch a common expression in Jamaica. It takes place in a certain context, however. We are thankful to the Man with flowing hair and sandals when something we had hoped for - indeed, anticipated - finally happens. So, there is a degree of satisfaction, or perhaps vindication, in the “thank you.”

I recall some years ago Jamaica had a champion hurdler with a beaming smile, named Omar McLeod. At some high profile athletics meet (the Olympics, perhaps?) where nice medals were up for grabs, Omar won gold. As he crossed the finishing line he exclaimed “Thank you Jesus!” Jamaicans laughed, because they could relate to the spontaneous outburst. And, after all, he deserved, and perhaps fully expected his gold medal.

Here’s a picture of our hot city. In fact, it is of the St Peter & Paul Catholic Church, not far from our house. We hear that a “Super El Niño” is on its way. Nothing to be thankful about there.