We can interpret them!

The messages of our times.

54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”-Luke12:54-59

We love to predict, forecast and to interpret something. We know if it's going to rain - thanks to the weather forecast. We know if we're losing a bet. We know if we're heading for trouble. Yes, God has given us the capacity to discern the events and circumstances in our lives as well as others lives.

Unfortunately, we are not using this wonderful gift of discernment sometimes. Despite knowing that we are heading for trouble, some still proceed with it. Despite knowing that drugs and alcohol cause damage, some still use it. Despite knowing that something is illegal and bad, some still continue doing it without remorse. Jesus, through the Gospel, is encouraging us to use our capacity to interpret and discern things, events and circumstances according to His purpose. Jesus is encouraging us to open ourselves to His leading and guidance, and not that we dictate what we want to Him.

People nowadays demand for justice and rights. Rather than making peace with our adversaries, humbling ourselves before them, some of us would opt for court battles. Sometimes these people are confident that they would win, only to be disappointed in the end. Worse, they even have to pay their opponents. Much is accomplished when we are humble. Much is saved when we exert effort to make peace and give second chances. Jesus is encouraging us to help spread peace in the world, and to spread the virtue of humility in a world full of arrogance and pride.

Image courtesy: P. Martin, various artists