Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:54-59

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.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus questions the ability of his disciples to see the signs. He says to them, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” The profits had foretold the coming of Christ and now he was among them. Even with all the signs, his disciples did not recognize him as their Messiah and Savior. With all the signs from his teachings, his miracles and his compassion and love, his disciples still did not recognize him. It is as if they had closed their eyes to the light of Christ. Jesus calls them to repent and open their eyes. He calls them to witness and see who is with them. Christ came to show them the way.

How many times do we miss the signs? How many times are we sitting in church and our mind is elsewhere? How many times has someone reached out to help you and you slapped their hand? Jesus is among us yet we fail to see the light. Jesus said to his disciples, “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.” Jesus is telling us that we must recognize and repent for our sins before our final judgment because it will be too late if we wait till then. He wants for us to ask for forgiveness now. Christ not only came to show us the way, he came to relieve us of our sins.

Christ is before us, open your eyes and see the light. His light exposes what is in our soul. We must do everything we can to allow God to enter into our life. It is only with God that we can conquer sin and evil. We are vulnerable to Satan’s tongue if we do not seek Christ in our daily lives. When we sin, we need to call upon God immediately. We need to ask him for peace and salvation. Jesus wanted his disciples to reach out to him, not so he could punish them, but so he could free them from the slavery of sin. God is loving and forgiving. It is his grace alone that will free you from the bondage of sin. Can you see the signs? Are you ready to surrender to Christ?

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the light of my life.

Illuminate my soul so I can see your signs.

I want to choose what is right and what is just.

Help me find the path to your heart.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon