Luke 12:54-59

Romans 7:18-25a

Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94

Luke 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.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, enlighten my mind to discern the signs of the times. I do not want to remain in ignorance or dedicate my life to unimportant things. Human life is so short, barely the blink of an eye. And yet, how I live this short life on earth will determine how I will live for all eternity.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Interpreting the Present: In the Gospel, Jesus has just referred to the prophecy of Micah about inter-familial strife. This was understood as a prophecy about a time of great tribulation that would precede and inaugurate the time of messianic salvation. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls out the people for not recognizing what is happening. They are hypocrites because while they are good at interpreting the signs of an upcoming weather change, they are ignorant of the upcoming fulfillment of prophetic signs. The age of salvation is approaching, and so Jesus teaches that his disciples need to be reconciled with their brothers and sisters before the time of judgment.

2. I Take Delight in the Law of God: In the First Reading, Paul refers to his own struggle against sin. The Law of God transmitted through Moses was not sinful. It gave knowledge about what was sinful, yet it did not empower the people of Israel to resist sin. God’s law is holy because it promotes virtue and prohibits vice. Here, Paul points to our common experience. We know what is good and right and just, and yet we often choose what is evil. “I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want.” Paul even says that he delights in the law of God within himself. And yet, there is a second law – the law of sin – that tugs at his heart. In our fallen state, we are unable to do the good prescribed by the law. We are in a miserable state! Who will deliver us? Paul is not despairing here, but asking for Jesus, the redeemer, to save us. It is a cry of hope and trust that God will answer his prayer. He moves quickly from lament to thanksgiving: “Paul expresses gratitude to God through Jesus Christ our Lord … The Lord, in sending his Messiah, has accomplished a deliverance that will bring about a renewal of all things, including “the redemption of our bodies” (8:23). Paul’s prayer has already been answered; his problem has already been met with a solution. In the meantime, he is caught in the middle, between serving the law of God with the mind, and the law of sin in the flesh” (Hahn and Mitch, Romans, 124).

3. Teach Me Your Statutes: Psalm 119 complements the First Reading. It praises God’s wisdom, knowledge, statutes, and commandments. If the Old Testament Laws of Moses were worthy of such praise, how much more is the New Testament Law of Jesus. This New Law is not an abstract commandment written on stone, but is the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, poured into our hearts. We still struggle to overcome sin and evil, as Paul teaches, but we possess a tremendous divine gift: “At the present stage of salvation history, we possess the flesh of Adam, even as we are filled with the Spirit of Christ. We have come to possess eternal life, even as we inhabit a body that is doomed to perish and that still throbs with sinful desire. Understanding this readies us for Paul’s teaching on the Spirit in the next chapter” (Hahn and Mitch, Romans, 124). The gift of the Spirit is a cause of true joy and delight. And so, when we pray, “Lord, teach me your statutes,” we are asking for the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit to be poured into our hearts.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I take delight in your law and Spirit. I will strive with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength to love the Father above all things. I will not neglect my brothers and sisters in their material and spiritual needs. I will love my neighbor as I love myself.

Living the Word of God: When I wake up in the morning, do I spend more time looking at the weather forecast or conversing with God? Do I spend more time catching up on social media, local and national news, and the markets, or more time reflecting on how I can love God and my neighbor throughout the day? Am I accruing debt through sinful acts or heavenly treasure through righteous deeds? Am I promoting unity or division within the Church?