October 21, 2005
Lk 12:54-59
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.”
The lesson is to make an effort to settle with an opponent before going to a court. Have the sense to know what is right. Your treasure is where your heart is. Possessions are temporary and life with God and salvation are eternal. Jesus in this chapter in Luke uses many parable to teach that the choice of God and eternal life it the most important one, to avoid the pitfalls of sin, hypocrisy, pettiness and greed for possessions. I pray that today I can see the way to be an instrument of God's love in all my interactions with others.
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.”
The lesson is to make an effort to settle with an opponent before going to a court. Have the sense to know what is right. Your treasure is where your heart is. Possessions are temporary and life with God and salvation are eternal. Jesus in this chapter in Luke uses many parable to teach that the choice of God and eternal life it the most important one, to avoid the pitfalls of sin, hypocrisy, pettiness and greed for possessions. I pray that today I can see the way to be an instrument of God's love in all my interactions with others.
posted by Joan Morris at 5:45 AM
