We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
(Luke 12:57)
Reading the Signs
We are usually pretty good at reading the signs around us. We can look at the sky and know when rain is coming. We can sense when a storm is approaching or when the seasons are changing. Jesus says that we are often much less attentive when it comes to recognizing what God is doing in our lives.
The question Jesus asks today is not simply, “What is happening?” It is, “What is God asking of me in this moment?”
Paul gives us a good place to begin. He tells us to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Jesus makes this very practical. Suppose someone says something that irritates us. We can immediately fire back with the response we have already prepared in our head. But Jesus asks us to stop and “judge for yourselves what is right.” What if the moment is not simply an annoyance, but an opportunity God has placed before us? Perhaps we need to listen instead of defend ourselves. Perhaps we need to apologize. Perhaps we need to forgive. Perhaps we simply need to let the comment go.
That is what it means to read the signs of the times. We look beyond the immediate situation and ask what God is inviting us to do. Every day brings moments when we can choose resentment or reconciliation, impatience or gentleness, self-interest or love.
The sign may be right in front of us. The question is whether we are paying attention.
The question Jesus asks today is not simply, “What is happening?” It is, “What is God asking of me in this moment?”
Paul gives us a good place to begin. He tells us to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Jesus makes this very practical. Suppose someone says something that irritates us. We can immediately fire back with the response we have already prepared in our head. But Jesus asks us to stop and “judge for yourselves what is right.” What if the moment is not simply an annoyance, but an opportunity God has placed before us? Perhaps we need to listen instead of defend ourselves. Perhaps we need to apologize. Perhaps we need to forgive. Perhaps we simply need to let the comment go.
That is what it means to read the signs of the times. We look beyond the immediate situation and ask what God is inviting us to do. Every day brings moments when we can choose resentment or reconciliation, impatience or gentleness, self-interest or love.
The sign may be right in front of us. The question is whether we are paying attention.
Are we paying attention to the signs God gives us each day?
Lord, open our eyes to recognize what you are asking of us today, and give us the grace to respond with patience, humility, and love. Amen.
Reflection by:
Deacon Scott Maentz is a permanent deacon at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, he and his wife, Christine, established and ran a homeless ministry for eight years. A tech geek, Deacon Scott volunteers with the local Apple Club, helping seniors with their devices. He's passionate about sharing the Gospel.