And when the wind blows from the south, you say, ‘It will be hot’; and so it is. You superficial
people! You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don’t understand the
present times. And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit? When you go with your
accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge,
and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will
not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

Reflect

“God calls us to conversion.” We can only make a decision and stand for Jesus with a good
sense of self-knowledge. We grow in self-knowledge when we are willing to look deeply
into ourselves while being open to change the things which are not aligned with the gospel
values. Today’s Gospel challenges us to make an examination of our inner selves.
The Gospel has two parts. The first part speaks of the “signs of the time.” The second part
poses the challenge to learn the art of settling with an opponent while still on the way to the
court. Further, the Gospel challenges us to everyday conversion. While it is easier to
perceive the external reality, looking into our own selves and recognizing the things in us
that we need to change are not always easy. God constantly calls us to conversion. We have
to admit that we have already missed many opportunities visà- vis God’s call to conversion.
Kairos means “time” (cf. v. 56). It may also refer to an “opportunity.” Every day becomes an
opportunity for us to change. Moreover, the Gospel summons us to settle with our accuser.
However, the real opponent that we have is not external. We need to settle with the opponent
within.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2024