Jesus 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.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

At some point in our morning routine, we will look up to the sky and make a prediction about our day - will it be warm or cold, wet or dry - and we plan accordingly. We may have checked a weather app or caught a clip of the morning news and are fairly certain of what is waiting for us. We grab a jacket or umbrella and off we go. 

Most of us are on a constant search for clues and trends in all areas of life. We follow the stock market, career paths of CEOs, and the latest happenings of our relatives on social media. We know which of our neighbors have recently purchased a new car or are remodeling the house. 

We have a solid handle on the physical world, yet might be challenged to clearly comprehend the deeper affairs of our spirit and heart. We claim a lack of time or distraction to sit longer in prayer, and freely acknowledge our own inability to understand how God is at work in our lives. But it is as simple and as challenging as merely paying attention. We can read our hearts in the same manner as the clouds in the sky. Taking the time to ponder our graces and gratitude, or struggles and sorrows, will show each of us how the Spirit is moving and reveal the relationships that are calling out for more of our attention. Discernment of God’s movements in our lives requires only honesty and reflection. 

What signs are calling out to be noticed today? What relationship is in need of more of my time?

—Tere Allen is a retired vice principal from Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose, California, who is now contemplating God through her Substack writing. 

Dear God, you give us eyes to see the changes in the weather. 
Help us, in the same way, to see the signs of your kingdom at work on earth. 
Give us the courage to read the signs of today with spiritual clarity.  
Soften our hearts so that we might always find ways to bring your word to those in need of your love and mercy. 
In Jesus’s name we pray.
Amen

—Tere Allen