REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel has two parts. The first part tells of the “signs of the times.” The second part is on how to settle with an opponent. The Gospel challenges us to everyday conversion. External things can easily be perceived. But looking into our own selves and recognizing the things in us that we need to change are not always easy. God always invites us to conversion, an invitation we often set aside. We already have a lot of missed opportunities, and yet, God keeps on providing us the occasions so that we may change. Can we interpret the present time? Kairos, the Greek word for “time,” also refers to “an opportunity.” Every day is an opportune time for us to change and move closer to God. Often, however, the real opponent that we have is not external. We need to settle with the opponent within us. How many opportunities for change have we already missed? Can we sincerely look into ourselves and accept God’s invitation to change? Have we ever recognized the need to settle with the opponent within us? Gospel • 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.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.