Sacred Scripture
He also said to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper.” (Luke 12: 54-59)
Reflection
Today’s scripture points us to reflecting about actively looking for and then acting on the signs we are given to truly change our lives to be a true follower of Christ.
Jesus expects his disciples to accurately read the signs of the times! Seafarers and farmers know the importance of spotting weather conditions for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earth quakes, and erupting volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster hits.
Our need for accurately discerning the spiritual condition and moral climate around us is vital if we want to avert spiritual crisis and moral disaster.
The issue is that we either do not see the signs or hear the clues. Why? Because we tend to think of them as supernatural But, in reality, God is speaking to us each day through the Holy Spirit residing in each of us. In fact, God doesn’t give up. He calls us again and again.
That is why we should try to identify patterns in our lives which keep repeating. They could be signs that God is trying to get our attention.
Perhaps, over the last number of weeks or months, there have been a number of times when you thought you were worried about the direction that your adult child is taking. But you did not want to intervene. Yet, the worry persists. Could it be that God is calling you to intervene?
Maybe you are a senior citizen and concerned about what could happen to you as you age. But you keep it inside. You don’t want to bother anyone. Could it be that God wants just that? To reach out and be touched by the love of God inherent in that person’s actions? Or perhaps to have you meet with someone that can help you understand what happens to a person as he/she ages.
Now these examples may seem trivial to you. They are meant to be illustrative. God speaks to us over and over again.
It’s the Holy Spirit, who helps us to lift up our hearts to the Lord, to set our minds on the things of the Lord, to discern the signs of the times and respond accordingly. Responding accordingly is the work of a lifetime but it’s possible by the Holy Spirit’s help.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me from all that would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may discern what is right and choose what is good and pleasing to you.”
Daily Note
The Lord Jesus is our physician and healer and he is ready to set us free from any sinful patterns of thinking, acting, and speaking. If we give our lives over to him he will fill us with his Holy Spirit and give us a new heart and a transformed mind that is filled with his truth, love, and goodness. If you want lasting peace and joy with God, then allow the Lord Jesus to transform every area of your life, your home, your work, your relationships, and possessions so that he may truly be the Lord and Giver of abundant life and righteousness. Are you ready to surrender all to him – and to receive all from him?
