“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor take warning.” My father taught me this old adage when I was a child. As an adult, I understand that it means that when the sky is red, there is enough moisture in the air to filter out the blue spectrum. In the morning, that means a storm is headed your way. In the evening, it means a peaceful night ahead. Jesus is speaking to us about being present in the moment.
I usually don’t make jokes in my sermons, but this one fits right in with the message. A lady was driving her car around the parking lot at a store. As more time passed, she grew more and more frustrated. After circling the parking lot for twenty minutes, she slammed on her brakes and decided to pray. She finished her prayer and opened her eyes just in time to see the car right in front of her begin to back out. Her eyes gazing toward heaven, she said, “Never mind, I found one.”
She didn’t see the blessing of her prayer being answered right in front of her, just like the people gathered around Jesus in today’s Gospel failed to recognize God directly in front of them. Our lives are often filled with moments like that. God is always present to us, and we sometimes fail to see Him. Sure, it’s easy to spot His grace on the beach in Hawaii, at a beautiful wedding, or gathering with family on the Holidays. What about when suffering and pain come along? Heartache and loss? Do we see our crucified Lord with us during the darkness and tribulations of this life?
I wrote briefly yesterday about a daily examination. I think it’s invaluable. So I want to encourage you to take some time each day to stop and ask three questions:
- Where was Jesus present to me today?
- Where could He have been present if I had allowed Him to work through me?
- What active steps can I take tomorrow to be more aware?
God is always present. The signs are always there. It’s up to us to take time to try and notice them, and when we fail, to face our shortcomings and become more mindful of Him and His fingerprints in our lives.
A homily for Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time: October 21st, 2022