Confirming the Message By Signs
Were the recent ‘Total Eclipse’ and the unusual ‘Aurora Borealis’ signs? Often I go to a priest mentor of mine, who taught me Religious Knowledge in my first year at Secondary school, with my latest interpretation of signs of divine intervention. He has very little patience with such ‘signs’ and dismisses me forthwith. I conclude there are two types of persons ‘believers in signs’ and ‘skeptics’. I suspect the reality lies somewhere in between these extremes.
The Bible itself is replete with instances of interpreting signs, from Joseph and his dreams to the wise men following a star. Still, Jesus cautioned against seeking signs, as in Matthew 12: 39 ‘an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign’. Yet for those of us drawn to the signs, there's an undeniable allure, an intoxicating excitement that accompanies such contemplations.
In this week’s Gospel Mark 16: 20 it reads ‘the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.’ There are signs and they are to interpreted, but it takes wisdom to discern what are signs and what they mean. In Matthew 16: 3 Jesus says ‘You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times’.
Jesus is telling us while we may possess the ability to interpret natural phenomena like the changing sky, recognizing the signs of our lives demands a deeper understanding. It is a call to cultivate wisdom and spiritual insight, enabling us to discern the significance of the signs around us in the context of God's unfolding plan for our lives.
We are to interpret the signs in our lives through prayerful reflection and openness to divine guidance. One such way is to read and study the Bible. This is why I have developed the Bible Reading and Study Guide Membership program. Many have visited the site but are fearful to sign up - worrying whether they have the time or ability - I assure you - you must make the time and you have the ability. Click on the link below and sign up.
Bible Reading and Study Guide Membership Program Link
The allure of deciphering signs of our lives speaks to a deeper human longing for meaning and connection. While some may dismiss it as mere coincidence it is often a subtle whisper of the divine. It is in moments of contemplation that we glimpse the profound mystery of existence and our humble place within it.