Signs of the times...

Friday, 34th week in Ordinary time

November 30, 2018: Revelations 20: 1-4, 11- 21;  Lk 21: 29-33

One of the key terms insisted upon by the second Vatican Council is "signs of the times" and the Council itself tried its best to be true to the spirit of that term. The Council challenged the faithful and the church as a whole to learn to read the signs of the times and respond to it.

We think today that signs from the Lord are few and far between. The truth instead is, the signs abound: in our daily lives, through things that happen around us, through persons who live with us, those who live worthy lives, those who suffer for no cause of theirs, those who are oppressed, those who have scores and scores of woes to meet on a daily basis, through the  crisis we see in the nature around us, through the humanity that is pushed into a hue and cry that is so artificial and human made... there are signs aplenty, provided we are ready to perceive them.

Our responsibility is two fold: first to learn to gather these signs, as coming from the Lord! At times even the crises that come all against us will serve its purpose and have a whole lot of meaning, if we have this attitude towards gathering the signs from the Lord, from everything that is and happens around us. 

Secondly to act upon these signs, respond to them, regardless of the risks and the sacrifices that are involved. We are so negligent in this second part that we habituate ourselves to become blind to the signs that are around. We prefer to pacify ourselves saying, 'do not expect extraordinary signs' rather than say, 'be attentive to every sign and diligent in working on them'. 

Whether we gather them or not, respond to them or not, they are there! We would do well as true sons and daughters of the Reign, if we are present to them and through them strive to build the Reign here and now.