29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Clouds in the west and winds from the south—what was Jesus talking about? Among the crowds were farmers, fishermen, and tradesmen. So Jesus drew from their everyday experience to illustrate a spiritual truth. Just as everyone knew that clouds from the west brought moisture from the Mediterranean Sea and desert winds from the south brought heat, they should have been able to recognize the spiritual signs around them.

Jesus wanted his listeners to realize that God was present among them in a new way. In Jesus, God was fulfilling his promises to Israel—but they couldn’t see it. Perhaps it was because they were so burdened or distracted by their concerns that they couldn’t recognize Jesus or “interpret the present time” (Luke 12:56).

We have vastly improved our ability to interpret earth and sky since the time when Jesus walked the earth. But our telescopes and technology haven’t always helped us to perceive the things of God. Sometimes they have the opposite effect! Scientific advancements have often filled our lives with distractions and blurred our spiritual vision. They can dull our awareness of God’s closeness and blind us to his work in the world.

The Lord longs to pierce through our fog. For centuries, the saints have offered a simple tool to do just that: silence. Contemplative silence can help us cut through distractions so that we can see the Lord. While it may take time, persevering in silent contemplation gives the Lord the space to wipe our spiritual lenses clean. It softens our hearts and increases our ability to recognize Jesus everywhere we go.

Sometimes this path of silence can be difficult, but the name of Jesus is a powerful guide. As you quietly seek the Lord, utter his sacred name in your heart with each breath. With one breath after another, his name can lead you closer to him. As you release your burdens, you can move toward peace. The name of Jesus can help wipe away distractions and open your eyes to better see and follow the Lord. Then you will be able to “interpret the present time” and recognize what the Lord is doing—both in your heart and in the world around you.

“Lord Jesus, open my eyes.”

Romans 7:18-25
Psalm 119:66, 68, 76-77, 93-94
Luke 12:54-59