INTERPRETING THESE TIMES

PRAYER MOMENT

Friday 2 October 2013

INTERPRETING THESE TIMES

Pause.  Be still in the presence of God.

Reading. “You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to interpret these times?” (Luke 12: 54-59)

Reflection. Among the themes that surface as we approach the end of the cycle of readings in the Church’s year is that of making a decision. Jesus has walked the paths of Galilee; he has taught the people and cured their diseases. Now, what is their response? “You can read the earth and the sky; you have face book and twitter and you can travel to New York in a day.” So, what do you say? What is your response?” What do you mean, “respond”? That is the way things are. I don’t have to respond. I just take them as they are. But whenever a parent gives a child a gift he or she looks for a response. It is part of the wonder of relationship and bonding. Jesus too looks for a response from the people of his time. He did not get it and he wept over Jerusalem. “How often I longed to gather you as a hen gathers its chicks under its wing!” It is a cry of disappointment.  

Prayer. Lord, teach me not to just take everything for granted. Help me to see the wonder behind science and technology, the wonder of children and grown-ups to. Help me to interpret these times and respond. Amen.