Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say that it is going to rain–and so it does, and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.”-Lk 12:54-55
Friends, God is good, all the time.
The human heart is of two kinds according to the Bible: one is a willing heart and the other is a hardened heart. By definition, a willing heart is obedient, docile, and prepared to obey God's commands to love God and the neighbor. On the other hand, a hardened heart is unwilling and unprepared to obey God's law about the love of God and neighbor. To which do we belong? Perhaps since our vulnerable and erratic humanity makes it harder for us to fully identify our heart with anyone, where we have the stronger bent matters greatly. Yet, scripture repeatedly asserts, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion" (Heb 3:15).
In today's gospel, Jesus is asking us to apply our God-given faculties to our advantage. We have become smart at predicting and judging the weather to precautions and dress appropriately for it. Similarly, using the same faculties should help us regulate our thoughts, conduct, and attitudes towards others in ways that work towards peace, harmony, and happiness, since these are the ultimate longings of every sincere heart.
For instance, our memory should help learn from past experiences to make amends for those that were wrong and improve on those beneficial to us and others. Our critical mind should help judge and predict the impact of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes on others. If my judgment reveals that my words or actions will negatively impact a brother or sister, I should have a willing heart to resist enacting the behavior. If they are of more significant benefit, on the other hand, I should not harden my heart to advance such actions.
To further demonstrate the above, St. Paul explains and emphasizes what Christians share in common with others, that is, “one body and one Spirit, one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” as so significant that it should our reason for producing behaviors such as humility, gentleness, patience, love, and striving to preserve unity and peace. Prayer blessings:Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.