A reading from the gospel according to Luke 12:54-59
54 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;
55 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.
56 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?
57 “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
58 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.
59 I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Reflection: Final Judgment
As we continue to reflect on the words of Jesus and how we are touched and renewed, we wonder why the people during His time on earth could not see and believe the signs and wonders He was showing them. We can easily commiserate with Him when He says “woe to you…” and “This generation is evil.” Some of us even wish we were there to personally hear His voice and join Him in His travel from town to town. Yet, in our time, we also find some people with the same attitude.
“You hypocrites!” Jesus scolded the people then but He is also telling the same rebuke to our generation. We see dark clouds and hear weather reports that there is a storm coming and the storm indeed comes. Those are physical signs and people could see them. However, there are also signs of the coming of the biggest storm that will shake and wreak havoc on the whole world, the second coming of the Lord. Yet many people do not see these signs or they see but ignore them. Instead, they continue with their wicked ways as if they are not mortals.
The message of Jesus is very clear. While there is still time, let us repent and be renewed. Forgive everyone and be reconciled with one another. The final judgment will come at the time we least expect it. Pity those who are unprepared. The ultimate judge will hand them over to be thrown into prison.
