STARK AND CLEAR SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
"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.” (Luke 12: 54 - 59).
Friday 25th October 2024 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time.
In the Gospel of today, we learn of the necessity of interpreting intelligently the signs of the times.
What are the Signs of the Times today? Consider a few of these:
1. Divisions in the Body of Christ.
2. Fragmentation of the Catholic Church into conservatives and liberals.
3. Denial of Climate change.
4. Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Wild fires in California.
4. War in Ukraine.
5. War in the Holy Land.
5. Rise in migration and refugees worldwide.
6. Global fear of economic recession.
7. Deep anxiety about election outcomes.
Jesus says to us today: "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?"
Authentic signs of the times come from the mind of Christ. To know the mind of Christ is a gift of prophecy. St Paul urges Christians:
"Pray for the higher gifts. Pray for the gift of prophecy." (Cf 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
This injunction is for everyone. We must ask the Lord Jesus to give us this gift here and now and without delay lest we perish. Then we must abide in Christ Jesus through:
1. Abiding daily in His word.
2. Abiding In fervent prayer.
3. Abiding in the Communion of the Saints through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints.
King David consulted Architophel because he knew the signs of the times. (Cf 1 Chronicles 12: 32).
Emperors consulted St Jerome, the Scripture guru in Rome because St Jerome was able to interpret the signs of the times for them.
What can we do about these signs of the times we identified above?
First, understand that these signs are clear and present dangers.
If you are in litigation and you decide that the outcome will not be favorable to you, you sue for peace. "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."
Wise counsel from Jesus.
Let us hurry to do something about these grim signs of the times.
If you hear His voice today, harden not your hearts. Do not say: I have tomorrow. I will make peace with God tomorrow. "You fool, this night, you face your Judge.
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).
The Holy Rosary has divine power to demolish strongholds. Use it.
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