We all seem to have those times when we are poised to make a decision but are not quite sure whether we are about to do the right thing or royally mess things up. If only we could know for sure. If only there was some kind of sign.
Maybe we are feeling a little spiritually under the weather, so we look for signs from God to give us direction, but feel frustrated when we don’t notice one coming along.
Pope Benedict XVI, in a 2009 homily, said, “The signs of God are often humble, hidden and require a heart that listens.”
Our daily lives flourish with signs, so we need to develop the practice to contemplate and discern them as Saint John Henry Newman reminded us: “We live by faith, not by sight; and faith is exercised in discerning signs.”
Here are some signs for discernment that are so common, we can miss their spiritual potential.
Speed Limit: “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.” (John 3:34) Consider the limitless potential God has for us as we do His will.
Yield: “My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.” (Proverbs 8:19) Think about the great abundance that the fruits of the Spirit can yield and the graces of charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.
Do Not Enter: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (Matthew 23:13) We must be careful to not impede anyone on their spiritual path either by our own words or actions.
No Passing Zone: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31) Ponder the idea that all is temporary except the word of God. Ask yourself, “Why do we cave to materialism so easily?”
Right Turn Only: “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” (Psalm 31:2) As we ask God to turn us in our hour of need, we must remember to turn to Him incessantly.
Stop: “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” (John 7:24) Suppose all that we see is not as it really is. What if that person you just scowled or looked down your nose at was an angel in disguise?
Road Work Ahead: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3) We are all works in progress.
Divided Highway: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24) Ask ourselves if we are always on the right side of the divine highway.
Deer Xing: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Psalms 42:2) How strongly is my heart yearning and burning for God?
One Way: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) Just look at the sign and know.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average commute time to work in the United States is 27.6 minutes, one way. Further, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that there are around 40 million road signs in America, averaging about 10 per mile across all roads.
Saint Augustine of Hippo said, “A sign is a thing which, over and above the impression it makes on the senses, causes something else to come into the mind as a consequence of itself.”
If every time we see a street sign and spend a little time in silent contemplation about what that sign could be saying to us spiritually, spending as little as 30 seconds with God at a time, imagine how much prayer, how much potential, how much promise that could add up to be.
The signs we see every day can point beyond themselves and, ultimately, to God.
Deacon Dean Johnson serves at Church of the Holy Family, Sewell.
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