Read – Mattew 16:1-4
We arrived in Devon recently for a short break and upon arrival, we were greeted by a wonderful sunset over the sea. The ancient saying, quoted by Jesus in today’s reading implied pleasant weather and that was what followed for more several days.
I have been thinking about signs in a different context recently and asking myself the question we all need to face from time to time, namely, am I doing what God wants me to do? It is tempting for we humans to immerse ourselves in our vanity projects, whatever their scale, and then dress them with a façade that we ascribe to God.
When something we do or an activity, we spend time on is really part of God’s purpose then signs arise that give encouragement, or words spoken without being solicited confirm that this, indeed, is God at work.
We walked along a road today which terminated at a sole property, and in front of it was a turning circle so lost travellers could get out again. Beside the turning bay, at the time, the tide was out in the creek and a slipway was inaccessible to the boats it was designed for. I wonder, I thought, whether I know when the tide has gone out on what I am doing, and it is time to turn – sorry to mix the metaphors.
A Prayer
God of the Church and the work we do, help us to reflect honestly on our endeavours and to know what to continue and what to stop. Show us when to continue and when we have reached a turning point. Give us your spirit within to drive our thoughts and heighten our self-awareness so we are sensitive to your will, not blinded and deafened by our vanity. We ask this for Jesus Christ’s sake, amen.