Jesus also said to the multitudes: When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once "A shower is coming"; 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? (Lk 12.54-56)

There was neither a systematic measuring of weather data nor any satellite pictures. But even at the time of Jesus people had developed a certain capacity to predict the weather of the next day. Those who were able to read the signs properly were in a position to say what kind of weather the next day would bring.

Jesus recognised this ability. But in his eyes the real challenge was elsewhere. What is required is "to read the signs of the time". What gain is it to be able to predict tomorrow's weather, if we are unable to understand what is at stake in the present hour for our future?

Signs play a decisive role in human life. Again and again we are confronted with the question as to how "signs", ie events that occur in our life, are to be interpreted - an illness, a victory or a defeat, a disappointment, or whatever else we may experience. Ultimately, in everything that we experience is hidden a message from God. As in a mirror we are shown who we are and where we stand. A secret voice addresses us, pointing to the way which we are to choose. Through signs we are given guidance. Signs are opportunities. If we do not perceive them, they will become missed opportunities.

What is true for the life of each individual human being is also true for humanity as a whole. God speaks to humanity through signs.

For years we have been warned that the climate system will lose its present equilibrium if we are not prepared to reduce drastically our emissions of greenhouse gases. It becomes ever more manifest that we are pursuing a suicidal course. But we continue to ignore the signs. As in Jesus' time we are satisfied with forecasts for tomorrow's weather, but close our eyes to the long-term danger. You hypocrites!

Why is it so difficult to recognise the signs for what they are really saying? The answer is obvious: because God's voice is at first sight contrary to the dynamics of human life. God invites us to a life in love, sufficiency and solidarity. This implies a conversion. Is it therefore not a normal first reaction to close one's eyes? The trouble is that in doing so we close our eyes to God's gift of life. Through the parable, Jesus urges us to overcome this first reaction and to listen to the secret voice of God's love.

Lukas Vischer
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches