Scripture:
Reflection:
Lord, it is not easy to accept that I don’t understand something. I mean, there are vast tracts of brilliant interpretations from timeless theologians who attempt to explain every word of the bible, especially the words of Christ. But really, I struggle. Today’s gospel, for instance…
As Christ’s audience subsisted through agriculture or harvesting from the sea, it would be more than logical that they would understand the signs of coming weather… If clouds rise in the West then showers could be expected, because the sea is that direction from Jerusalem. Likewise, a Southern wind would dictate hot weather coming because South of Jerusalem lay the vast, dry deserts.
But why does that mean that You expected them to be able to ascertain the signs of both your coming and that of the final days?
Each generation of mankind feels superior intellectually to the generations before their time because we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us who shared their gained knowledge which we then built upon. One may smugly assume that we have two thousand years of knowledge, built up like Lego blocks, on which we stand to understand and see the signs You spoke of more clearly.
I think I must be missing quite a few of those knowledge blocks. The people you spoke to, including your disciples, didn’t understand and all these centuries later, neither do I. I know that real understanding is a journey, in which that journey is just as important as the destination. So, I l don’t look for signs that point to the end of times but for signs that point out the right path. It is your light on my path that I pray for today, for You are the way, the truth, and the light.
I figure if I can stay on the path, then I don’t need to worry about the final days, the end of times, Your final coming. The Path will get me where I need to be.
Ray Alonzo is the father of three children, grandfather of two, and husband to Jan for over 45 years. He is a USN Vietnam Veteran, and a 1969 graduate of Mother of Good Counsel Passionist Prep Seminary. Ray currently serves on the Passionist Alumni Council.