Signs of the times
JESUS said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain — and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot — and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 59I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” REFLECTION INTERPRET THE PRESENT TIME. Even without the weather bureau or the use of weather instruments, people who live close to nature can tell ahead of time what the weather will be. The Jews, Jesus says, are good at this. Palestine has a climate of sharp contrasts: heat and cold, rain and wind. In winter the qadim causes the storms on the Sea of Galilee, and in summer the wind khamsim comes from the desert. Interpreting the signs that nature shows, the Jews prepare for a sunny or a rainy day, for a hot or a cold night. However, they are less adept at reading the signs of the times. Not only are they unable to recognize the prophets whom God sends them; they are also blind to the fact that God now sends the Messiah to call them to repentance. They pretend not to understand God’s summons in order that they may avoid making a decision about their salvation. They do not wish to be converted and are determined to pursue their sinful ways. And while they refuse to heed God’s call, they put their trust on false prophets and self-proclaimed messiahs.
Are you discouraged and frightened by the problems that beset the country? Do you see hope in the struggles of well-meaning people whom you personally know? SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls. ph.