The sign pictured above seems a little redundant at this time of year. Can you not see the brightly colored tree limb hanging in front of your face? Do you really need a sign to caution you?
A person was probably injured at some point in time by one of the tree limbs. Thus, we now have a sign to warn us of the impending danger. As I look at this photo, the question resonating in my mind is a simple one. If someone is walking along and completely wrapped up in their digital communications, are they any more likely to see the sign than they are to see the branches? My guess is probably not, but the sign most likely helps the defendant when things go to court. (On a side note--did anyone consider pruning back the tree limbs?)
Do you ever wish that there were clear road signs warning of you of danger on your spiritual journey? CAUTION: Potential sin ahead! Would we be likely to see the sign, or would we stay focused on the temptation in front of us? Speaking of trees, I think Adam and Eve had a pretty clear sign. Don't eat the fruit of this tree! How well did that work out for them?
It is my impression that we frequently have clear warning signals in our spiritual journey but choose to ignore them. The Bible, the Catechism, and the teaching and preaching of the Church all provide guidance in how we are to live. The Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy remind us over and over to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. Those "signs" are engraved in us if we have been active members of the Church for a long time. How well do we respond to these signs?
Pleading ignorance is not acceptable for most of us. The majority of us have access to Church teaching in a variety of formats. We can form our consciences well if we choose to do so. Following that well-formed conscience is then a matter of living our lives attuned to God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We do this by being people of prayer. That prompts the question--how solid is our life of prayer at this moment in time?
CAUTION: The father of lies wants to deceive you. Be on guard. Heed the signs placed in front of you to guard your soul. PRAY! You are called to be a saint. Respond well to the call.
REFLECTION QUESTION FOR TODAY:
How do you avoid the near occasion of sin in your life? (Worded in another way--how do you confront temptation to sin?)
A person was probably injured at some point in time by one of the tree limbs. Thus, we now have a sign to warn us of the impending danger. As I look at this photo, the question resonating in my mind is a simple one. If someone is walking along and completely wrapped up in their digital communications, are they any more likely to see the sign than they are to see the branches? My guess is probably not, but the sign most likely helps the defendant when things go to court. (On a side note--did anyone consider pruning back the tree limbs?)
Do you ever wish that there were clear road signs warning of you of danger on your spiritual journey? CAUTION: Potential sin ahead! Would we be likely to see the sign, or would we stay focused on the temptation in front of us? Speaking of trees, I think Adam and Eve had a pretty clear sign. Don't eat the fruit of this tree! How well did that work out for them?
It is my impression that we frequently have clear warning signals in our spiritual journey but choose to ignore them. The Bible, the Catechism, and the teaching and preaching of the Church all provide guidance in how we are to live. The Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy remind us over and over to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. Those "signs" are engraved in us if we have been active members of the Church for a long time. How well do we respond to these signs?
Pleading ignorance is not acceptable for most of us. The majority of us have access to Church teaching in a variety of formats. We can form our consciences well if we choose to do so. Following that well-formed conscience is then a matter of living our lives attuned to God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We do this by being people of prayer. That prompts the question--how solid is our life of prayer at this moment in time?
CAUTION: The father of lies wants to deceive you. Be on guard. Heed the signs placed in front of you to guard your soul. PRAY! You are called to be a saint. Respond well to the call.
REFLECTION QUESTION FOR TODAY:
How do you avoid the near occasion of sin in your life? (Worded in another way--how do you confront temptation to sin?)
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