Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Or Optional Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop Luke 12: 54-59 Discernment Guides Your Life
In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to learn from the signs of the times. The people of Palestine knew how to read the sky—clouds meant rain, winds from the south meant heat. But while they could read the weather, they failed to read the most important sign: that the Kingdom of God was already in their midst.
Discernment is a gift. It is not about rushing into decisions but learning to pause, to pray, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s light. Discernment helps us distinguish between what is urgent and what is essential, between what comes from God and what does not. Jesus warns us that life is too short to postpone reconciliation, too serious to ignore God’s call. “Settle matters quickly,” He says—not only with others but above all with God.
St Anthony Mary Claret lived this Gospel with intensity. A missionary bishop and founder, he carried a burning zeal for souls. His life was one long act of discernment, asking each day: “Lord, what do you want of me today?” He read the signs of his own times—poverty, injustice, ignorance of the faith—and responded with courage. He preached tirelessly, wrote books and pamphlets, founded religious institutes, and defended the dignity of the poor. He knew that every moment was urgent when it came to bringing Christ to others.
From him we learn three lessons. First, before deciding, pray. Let God’s Spirit guide your choices. Second, judge fairly—be honest with yourself and merciful with others. Third, settle what needs to be settled—don’t postpone reconciliation, forgiveness, or the conversion of your heart.
Jesus reminds us that time is short, and St Anthony Claret shows us how to use it well: discerning, acting, and living for God with passion. May his example inspire us to read the signs of our times, to embrace the urgency of the Gospel, and to make our peace with God while there is still time.
Apostolic Prayer of St. Anthony Mary Claret O my God and Father, Grant that I may know You and make You known, that I love You and bring others to love You, that I serve You and inspire others to serve You, that I praise You and work that all Your creatures praise You. Grant, my Father, that all sinners be converted, that all the just persevere in grace, and that all of us reach eternal glory. Amen.
Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Or Optional Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano, Priest The fire of Christ, the Cross of life Luke 12: 49-53
The disciples of were waiting for a Messiah who would be a glorious conqueror, a king who would bring peace and prosperity. But Jesus speaks of judgment, suffering, and division. This is not the golden age they were expecting.
Fire, in the language of Scripture, is a symbol of judgment. Jesus reminds us that his coming demands a choice, and his Word burns away illusions and false securities. Like fire, it purifies and reveals what is true. We may want to soften the sharpness of Jesus’ Words, but they always carry us to a moment of decision.
Jesus speaks of his “baptism.” He is not talking about water, but about being plunged into suffering—the baptism of the Cross. He is fully aware of what is to come, and yet he walks toward it willingly, out of love. This is the paradox of the Christian faith: the King triumphs by sacrificing his life.
Finally, Jesus explains that His arrival will cause division. We understand how true this is, as families, friends, and nations can be divided over the choice to follow or reject Christ. Loyalty to Him must take precedence over all other relationships.
The question for us today is simple yet demanding: Do I allow the fire of Christ to purify my heart? Do I embrace his Cross as the way to life? Am I willing to choose Christ, even when it costs me?
Jesus is not a distant conqueror. He is the King, whose crown is thorns and whose castle is a Cross. He invites us to share his victory—not by avoiding the fire, but by passing through it with Him.
Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Or Optional Memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope John Paul II Luke 12:39-48 Be Loyal
Today’s Gospel presents us with the parable of the wise and unwise stewards. A steward, if he was faithful, brought order and life. If unfaithful, he abused his power and forgot that the master would surely return.
The unfaithful steward made two serious mistakes. First, he believed he could do whatever he pleased because the master was away. However, in truth, God is never absent. There is no part of our lives—whether public or private—where He is not present.
Second, he thought he had plenty of time to make amends, despite Jesus warning us to be ready because the Son of Man will come unexpectedly. The illusion of ‘tomorrow’—to forgive, pray, or change—may never come.
Here, three lessons shine through: First, value time. Time is one of the greatest treasures given to us, and yet it slips through our hands so easily. We try to disguise its passing, but time is what allows us to learn, grow, and prepare. Don’t waste it. Use it well—for love, for service, for God.
Second, live each day as a gift. Death is certain, but the hour is unknown. So live today as if it were your first and your last—free from bitterness, free from complaint.
Third, be responsible. Life is not ours to own; we are stewards, administrators of what God has placed in our hands. Our talents, our relationships, our faith—they are entrusted to us. Let us not waste them on trivial things that bear no fruit but invest them in what gives life and hope to others.
St. John Paul II often said, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” Today, let us be loyal stewards, using our time wisely, opening the door of our lives to the Master who is always near.
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