Hard Life Made Easier

Reflection on Lk. 12:54-59

It should not happen, but it is happening. It should have been avoided, but it was not avoided. We have a lot to help us cope with the challenges of life, but we choose to ignore them. "History repeats itself.", the saying goes. This is the concern of Jesus in the Gospel today. He was speaking before people who are very much experienced in the behavior of the weather even if they do not have the modern gadgets that we have now. They know how to read signs. Their lives depend on it! But, they fail to apply it in other parts of their lives. The sign of Jesus fell flat on the ground. Jesus appeared to them and gave them many signs. But they ignored them. Jesus called them "hypocrites" as a result. For how can they read weather signs and fail to read clear and concrete signs like the miracles, the prophesies, and the teachings of Jesus! These signs were bursting with truths and critical messages for them.

This prompted Jesus to ask them why they are stubborn about doing what is right? Why sue and go to trial when they can settle outside of court? Why spend time, effort, and treasure for something that can be agreed? Even today, this is being repeated a lot of times. Instead of arranging an agreement, they resort to courts. Jesus had reasons to react because in the first place, God created an orderly universe. The world was meant to be peaceful. But we humans seem to prefer conflicts, disagreements, wars, violence, and other troubles. St. Paul pointed this out to the early Christians when because of their selfishness, they had begun destroying each other and in the process, destroying the community. 

Everybody wants peace and yet, the efforts being made to attain it are not enough. It seems that there is a lack of sincerity in achieving it. Also, it is possible that it is not enough for the sacrifice it will require. Nevertheless, it is necessary and ultimately, it must be gained. Hopefully, it will not be too late. The Lord's admonition is to avoid unwanted consequences. He prefers that we brace ourselves for the meaningful challenges. What we can settle, let us settle. What we can do, let us do it now. Let us make use of our God-given talents. let us make use of every opportunity to attain peace. Let us do what we can for we may never pass this way again. Life is short. Spending it for unnecessary sufferings is being hypocrite and proud. And as the oldies, like me, would say, "I am too old for this!"