REFLECTION FOR TODAY,
October 23, 2020
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
“You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” Luke 12: 56
Do you know how to interpret the present time? It is important for us, as followers of Christ, to be able to look honestly at our cultures, societies and world as a whole and interpret it honestly and accurately. We need to be able to discern the goodness and the presence of God in our world and we need to also be able to identify and interpret the workings of the evil one in our present time.
One of the tactics of the evil one is the use of manipulation and lies. The evil one seeks to confuse us in countless ways. These lies may come through the media, through our political leaders and, at times, even through some religious leaders. The evil one loves it when there is division and disorder of every kind.
God delights in revealing his mind and heart to us. While it can look like Jesus is rebuking the crowd for not paying attention to the signs of the time, he is actually encouraging them to look around and see his Spirit at work in the world. If we look around, we will know that the harvest is plenty, many people are hungry and starving to know the love of God, without even realizing it. Some in their emptiness have replaced this honest love of God for worldly pursuit of money, success, sextual encounters, drug, alcohol and many others.
So, what do we do if we want to be able to “interpret the present time?” We must wholeheartedly commit ourselves to the Truth. We must seek Jesus above all things through prayer and allow His presence in our lives to help us sort out what is from Him and what is not.
Our societies present us with countless moral choices, so we may find ourselves being drawn here and there. We can find that our minds are challenged and, at times, find that even the most basic truths of humanity are attacked and distorted. Take, for example, abortion, euthanasia and traditional marriage. These moral teachings of our faith are continually under attack within the various cultures of our world. The very dignity of the human person and the dignity of the family as God designed it are called into question and directly challenged.
Reflect, today, upon whether or not you are willing and able to let the Holy Spirit cut through the confusion so manifestly present all around us. Are you ready to allow the Holy Spirit of Truth to penetrate your mind and lead you into all truth? Seeking the truth in our present time is the only way to survive the many errors and confusions thrown at us each day.
Lord, help me to interpret the present time and to see the errors fostered all around us, as well as Your goodness manifest in so many ways. Give me courage and wisdom so that I may reject what is evil and seek that which is from You. Jesus, I trust in You.