Today’s Scripture Readings

He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; 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? Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.’

From farmers to fishermen to ourselves, surviving everyday life requires a certain awareness of important aspects that may affect our day. Weather forecasts, pollen counts, traffic updates all help to keep us informed and aware of what’s going on around us. Jesus’s very direct words are challenging His companions to shift their everyday focus to a more pressing one, that of eternal life. His message remains relevant in today’s world of information overload.

The signs of the arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth were being made clear to those whose eyes were open to the light of Jesus’s teaching, miracles, compassion, and mercy. He was encouraging His followers to develop effective spiritual insight, noticing the true meaning of events as they unfolded around them. Jesus wanted to draw them from the preoccupation of their own affairs to notice the signs of the arrival of God’s Kingdom amongst them and to the eternal implications of that truth.

Asking an even more pressing question, ‘Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?’ (Luke 12:57), He leads their reflection to a deeper consideration. Like the disciples who did not recognise that God was present in their midst, does the wisdom, prudence and right judgement of the Holy Spirit ensure that we are able to discern the face and presence of Jesus in everyday events?

Jesus has given us every good gift – His Word, His very self in the Eucharist, His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide. Let us unwrap these most precious gifts to ensure we can correctly interpret the signs of His Kingdom, on earth as it is in Heaven with eyes that see Him amongst us.