Lk 12:54-59
54[Jesus] said to the crowds, “When you see [a] cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain—and so it does; 55and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
57“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 59I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
CLOUD AND WIND: People who live close to nature can tell ahead of time what the weather will be even without the use of instruments that weather bureaus use today. The Jews, Jesus says, are good at this. Palestine has a climate of strong contrasts: heat and cold, rain and dry spell, wind and calm. In winter, there is the qadim that causes the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and in summer the khamsim, the wind coming from the desert. Interpreting the signs that nature shows, the Jews prepare for a sunny or a rainy day, a hot or a cold night.
However, they are less adept at reading the signs of the times. Not only are they unable to recognize the prophets whom God sends them; they are equally blind to the fact that he now sends his Son to call them to repentance. They pretend not to understand God’s call in order that they may keep away from making a decision about Jesus and their salvation. They do not wish to be converted and are determined to pursue their sinful ways. And while they refuse to heed God’s call, they put their trust on false prophets and self-proclaimed messiahs.