Am I able to interpret my own life?

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Friday

GOSPEL Luke 12:54-59

First Reading - Eph 4:1-6

Am I able to interpret my own life?

*1) Our competence to interpret the Sky and the Earth*

In the Gospel of today Jesus tells us that we are endowed with the special powers to interpret the sky and the Earth

When there a cloud we are able to say that it will rain, and it happens

When there is a wind we are able to predict the weather of the day

So such is the capacity and intelligence of the human beings and God has given this intelligence to all.

*2) Capacity to interpret the signs of the time*

*Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?*

This is the question which was asked by Jesus in Today's Gospel? What answer shall we have? Are we competent to interpret the present time?

With all our technology and intelligence we have not been able to find out the mystery of Covid19. Am I able to interpret this sign? 

With all our power, money, wealth and security, today we have become more insecure and anxious. What does this sign tell us?

Present day situation does not permit us to have normal human relationships. What does this sign tell us? 

Likewise there are many signs of the present time, which we need to interpret in order to live a normal and holy life. 

*3) Interpreting ones own life is the need of the hour*

*Know Thyself* These are the  famous words of Socrates. 

Knowing of oneself means I am able to interpret myself. But the question is Am I able to interpret myself? 

While interpreting my own life, try to list out what are my strengths and what are my weaknesses

How many positive things I can speak about myself. Are these positive things seen by others? Do others approve what I say positive about myself? 

What are my weaknesses? 

Have I tried to interpret my anger? 

Have I tried to interpret my laziness and lethargy?

Have I tried to interpret my jealousy and spreading gossip? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of taking revenge? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of taking things lightly and without any seriousness? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude to spreading too much wealth on unnecessary things? 

Have I tried to interpret my attitude of selfishness, pride, arrogance, greed, and others things that happen in my life? 

*4) Without interpretation  things are not clear*

Interpretation is necessary to know a particular thing. 

Unless we know a particular thing we are unable to make any assessment about the same. 

Unless we make an analysis we can't take any further step to make any progress.

So interpretation ultimately is very much necessary for our growth and to grow in holiness

*5) We need to take efforts to interpret our life*

Interpretation of ones own life is not easy. This is one of the most difficult tasks. 

To interpret ones own life the following things are very much necessary

An open mind to accept what others say about my life

Humility to accept the interpretation of my life given by the others 

Courage to challenge oneself to facilitate the aspect of interpretation of my life 

A desire to grow in holiness based on the kingdom values. 

To have a regular evaluation of the self through the examination of the conscience, to interpret ones life.

*Am I ready to interpret my life?*

 *Am I ready to use my skills and  talents to analyse myself and to interpret my own life?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*