Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12: 54-59

REFLECTION
To the west of Palestine lay the Mediterranean Sea; when the wind came from that direction, the weather prophets predicted showers. To the south of the country lay the desert, and the winds from that direction were the harbingers of heat. These things were well-known. Unfortunately, as now, so then, there were none so blind as those who had no desire to see. The other signs were ignored even by the religious people who professed to be expecting the coming of God’s kingdom.

The main point in today’s Gospel is that the Lord was urging upon His listeners the necessity of making wise judgments. He had just condemned them for their inability to read the signs of the times, and this utterance came out of what had already been said. The word picture described two people taking a case to law. There was never any doubt in the Lord’s mind concerning the guilt of the person addressed. Because the man was unquestionably guilty, he would have been wise to prevent the case going to the magistrate, and thereafter to the judge. It would be in the man’s best interest to settle the matter out-of-court, for if the case actually went to the judge, the end would never be in doubt. Jesus was therefore urging His listeners to study their own needs; they were guilty before God; they had need of repentance, and the matter should never be postponed until the last moment. When men stood before God, penitence would be useless. Through the Grace manifested in Christ there existed a way by which all matters could be settled out of court. Wise men gave heed to the message of Jesus. “They shall not come into condemnation” (see John 5:24).

Today’s Reading:  Eph 4:1-6

PRAYER
Lord, time is something man cannot control.  Therefore, help me to seek you now, not later.  Remind me to make peace with you now, not later.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.