Signs of the Time and the Present Time

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:54-59*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6*

*Signs of the Time and the Present Time*

*1) Signs in the Nature*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the signs in the nature and their importance 

People are able to read the signs from the nature and they are able to predict some of the important things like rain, hot son and other issues related to the weather 

These predictions appear to be right at times because they are based on the human experience 

In this sense we understand the importance of the signs from the nature 

*2) Jesus and the Signs*

From the nature Jesus moves to another level and challenges people to read the divine signs to recognize the presence of God amidst themselves

With the presence of Jesus there are lots of new signs which  are very evident in and arround them 

The various miracles, the powerful teaching, the curing the sick, the casting out demons are some of the important signs which were present in and through Jesus 

So Jesus is challenging every one to see these signs and to recognize the divine  presence among themselves

*3) The importance of the Present time*

Jesus makes a mention of the present time. 

Present time has numerous signs, which are very important for us to  recognize the divine presence in our life 

Some of the sings of thr present time could be the following

The sign of Eucharist

The sign of adoration

The sign of Good health 

The sign of good people arround us 

The sign of forgiveness

The sign of numerous blessings in life 

The sign of my family members

The sign of miracles in my own life, that is, I am able to see, think properly, able to  hear, able to walk, able to enjoy food, able to help others, able to sacrifice for others etc 

*4) Failure to interpret the Present time*

Dwelling in the present and enjoying the present moment is very important 

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes. Only we have today and present moment 

Recognising the marvelous things by the Lord, in our life and around, we need to live in the present and experience God in everything 

Living in the present is more important than anything else 

*5) Greatness of Life*

The beauty of life consist in living in the present moment and experiencing God here and now 

One who is able to see the divine signs, in and around, in the present time, He/she will never be sad, but filled with thrill, hope and new vigour to face life in a creative way 

Such a person will always appreciate the beauty of life 

*6) Signs and My Life*

My life is found among the numerous signs in the present time 

Am I able to recognize or experience Jesus in the present day struggle of my life 

How far the present signs give meaning to my life?

Do I feel that signs are important to experience Jesus in our life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*