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. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
REFLECTION--RECOGNIZING GOD'S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
We often see a change in people as they grow more confident, become more knowledgeable, or achieve success in sports, academics, or their natural talents. Sometimes, with these accomplishments comes a change in attitide, "I know it all".
In medicine, we can save lives by interpreting laboratory results, recognizing subtle changes in a patient's condition, and making critical decisions based on our knowledge and experience. Yet, how easily we can begin to think that it is all our own doing! We can predict the weather by obsserving the clouds, the winds, and the oceans. We know what the temperature will be tomorrow and how to dress accordingly.
But while we have become so skilled at interpreting the signs around us, have we become blind to the signs of God's presence in out lives.
The more absorbed we become in controlling our lives and our environment, the easier it is to forget where we came from, who created us, and in whose image we are made. We may recognize the workings of nature and the achievements of human intelligence, but do we recognize the hand of God in the ordinary events of our day? Do we acknowledge that even our knowledge, talents, and abilities are gifts from Him?
In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to look beyond what our eyes can see and to discern what God is doing in our lives. If we cannot recognize His presence, understand His will, or respond to His grace, perhaps it is time to slow down and do some honest spiritual searching.
God gives us countless opportunities to open our eyes in faith. When someone offends us, do we hold on to resentment, or do we seek reconciliation? When someone annoys us, do we allow bitterness to grow, or do we choose to make peace? Why postpone reconciliation when tomorrow is not promised to us?
Jesus reminds us of the urgency of making things right while we still have time. His mercy is available to us now, but we must be willing to receive it. We must acknowledge our sins, seek forgiveness, and make a sinceere effort to change our ways.
Perhaps the greatest wisdom is not in how much we know, how much we accomplish, or how much control we think we have, but in recognizing how much we depend on God.
All that we are, all that we have, and all that we can accomplish are gifts from Him.
May we never become so confident in our own abilities that we fail to recognize the One who gave them to us. May we learn to see His hand in the ordinary events of life, listen to His voice, respond to His grace, and remember always that God is in control.
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to recognize Your presence, humble my heart to acknowledge Your gifts and give me the grace to respond to Your will today, not tomorrow. Amen
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