＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 7: 18-25a

I know that what is right does not abide in me, I mean, in my flesh.

I can want to do what is right, but I am unable to do it.  In fact I do not do the good I want, but the evil I hate.  Therefore, if I do what I do not want to do, I am not the one striving towards evil, but Sin which is in me.

 I discover, then, this reality: though I wish to do what is right, the evil with­in me asserts itself first.   My inmost self agrees and rejoices with the law of God,   but I notice in my body another law challenging the law of the spirit, and delivering me as a slave to the law of sin written in my members.  

 Alas, for me! Who will free me from this being which is only death?   Let us give thanks to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So, with my conscience I am a servant of the law of God, and with my mortal body I serve the law of sin.

 

Ps  119 Lord, teach me your statutes.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

 Luke 12: 54-59

 Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once: ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens.  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.”

 

Reflection gospel：

“BUT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT TIMES.”

In general, a sign is an indicator that suggests or signals the presence of some condition. And in general, too, we are very good in this. We know that the existence of smoke indicates fire, the heavy clouds warn of an impending rain, high body temperature hints at fever.

Our farmers know the right time for planting just looking up at the sky. But we seem to miss seeing signs in other aspects of our life that could bring much spiritual and transcendent benefits.

The many things that we go through in life could also be signs telling us about our spiritual health and the state of our faith. Other than looking at the conditions of our environment we should be cognizant of order of our life as followers of Jesus. Jesus is at work in our life in many mysterious ways.

But we recognize Him at work only in those positive ones. Many times, we fail to recognize that even in the seemingly negative happenings the Lord gives us signs that require sound interpretation and judgment. We overlook the message that could bring us to the right path, just as we fail to notice the blessings that misfortunes bring.