Luke 12:54-59

Lectio (Reading)

Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.

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.”

Meditatio (Reflecting)

Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.

You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Oratio (Responding)

Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.

Jesus told us in another reading “that it was not for us to know the day or the time when the Lord will return,” so why now is He telling us that we need to learn how to interpret the present time? The answer is the same whether we are talking about the seasons of the year, or the end of time. When the trees start to turn color and the nights get colder, if you do not heed that warning, and prepare for winter, you may freeze or starve. But if you are aware of the seasons, you will spend the required time before winter, saving up food to eat, and storing wood for heat.

Just so with the end of time. You must observe the signs of the times, and be prepared for the coming of the Lord. What does that look like? Well the parable of the wise and foolish virgins tells us the answer. You must keep your lamps trimmed, and carry extra oil, so you will be ready when the bridegroom arrives. In your day to day life this means that you must live in a state of grace, and spend your time storing up treasure in heaven. This means staying close to the sacraments, and if you have mortal sin on your heart, you must get to confession, and reconcile yourself with God, so that when the end of time comes and He returns you will be ready to receive Him and will not be cast out of the wedding banquet.

Then we will be like the wise virgins, that were ready to greet the lord, and that will be a glorious day, indeed. So be prepared, and if you are not, start today, right now, for we do not know the day or the time that the master will return, but we know He is coming, so look for the signs of the times that will foretell His arrival.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.

Oh lord, help me today to prepare, if I need to reconcile with you or another, please give me the courage and strength to do so. Help me to store up treasure in heaven, and to find peace in your glorious embrace. Amen.