St John Paul II | Friday 22 October 2021

Today is Friday the 22 October, the feast of St John Paul II, in the 29th week of Ordinary time. 

The Kyiv Chamber Choir, sing the Credo:  “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. 

Luke 12:54-59

He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

‘And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? Thus, when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.’

As he taught the people around him, Jesus might’ve been pointing to the sky or feeling the breeze as he spoke about the weather forecast.  Place yourself in the scene.  Is there rain in those clouds?  Is there a heat wave in the air?  

Jesus refers strongly and directly to his listeners as ‘hypocrites’ for interpreting the signs of weather correctly but totally ignoring another glaringly obvious matter, that of their response to God Himself, and doing what is right.  

How do I care for God’s creation?  How do I look out for the poorest communities? Do my daily choices make a difference?   

As you listen to the passage again, reflect on these questions.  

As this prayer time comes to a close, invite God into your choices today.  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.