Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once: ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when the wind blows from the south, you say: ‘It will be hot’; and so it is. You superficial people! You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don’t understand the present times. And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit? When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
REFLECTION
Living in different climates, people in all cultures have proverbs that use signs announcing future weather. Jesus uses the occasion of this custom to apply it to the spiritual situation of his time in Israel. Do you remember the messengers John the Baptist sent to him asking for his messianic task? The answer of the Lord was clear: “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard.” And he gives a set of miracles, including the evangelization of the poor (Lk 7:18-23). For Jesus the messianic signs in him were evident. But the people refused to believe: “You superficial people!” From the beginning of his preaching Jesus had been telling: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk 1:15)
Every period of the human history also has special “signs” for faith and salvation. Some authors guess them today in the thirst for spirituality, and the abundant groups of prayer. Are we “superficial people”? Do we reject the “signs” of present time?
In any case, we have only a short time to convert: before our arrival in front of the Judgment seat of God. Let us encourage ourselves to do the suitable steps according to the signs we receive in our life.
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