SAINT JOHN PAUL II, POPE (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

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

Carpe diem; seize the day! In literature, film, even advertising, this well-known phrase exhorts us to take hold of life with passion. Make the most of today since tomorrow is not guaranteed. We often associate this saying with seeking pleasure or living selfishly, but for Christians, it can remind us to follow Jesus today lest we miss the grace that God offers us.

Jesus echoes this attitude in today’s Gospel as he concludes a heated conversation with a crowd that has gathered around him. He warns them to avoid the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, to prioritize the things that truly matter to God, and to ready themselves for the day of his return (Luke 12:1, 20-21, 40). Finally, he addresses their apparent inability to perceive what is happening right before their eyes. They could read the signs of the weather and react accordingly. Why couldn’t they perceive the spiritual importance of the present time ? Jesus himself was standing right in front of them. This was their opportunity to repent and accept him as the Messiah. Were they blind? Or did they just prefer not to see?

Perhaps they were a little bit of both. These people had followed Jesus and listened to his preaching, but they hadn’t yet chosen to change their lives. Even Jesus’ disciples were struggling with his call to “sell your belongings” and store up lasting treasure (Luke 12:33).

Like them, we can struggle to take hold of God’s call for our lives. St. Paul describes it in personal terms: “I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want” (Romans 7:19). Like the disciples and like Paul, we are ready to grab hold of the grace Jesus offers us at one moment, but we don’t even notice him in the next. Even so, Jesus stands before us, just as he stood before the crowd—with grace for today.

Wherever you are, today is your moment of visitation (Luke 19:44). Jesus says, “I am with you. Let me help you. I have grace that will open your eyes, change your heart, and help you take the next step in following me.”

The time is now. Seize the day.

“Lord, help me to seize the grace you offer me today.”

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