The focus in today's readings is about signs. In the first reading, the writer of the letter to the Ephesians encourages the readers to lead lives worthy of their Christian calling. He names a number of virtues which they should practice. Among these is that of unity of the Spirit, which is linked to the Christian calling, namely one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God. The sign of oneness is something every Christian has to recognise and live in their lives.

In the Gospel passage, Jesus uses several signs to give his disciples a glimpse of the culmination of his mission in the return of the Son of Man at the time of judgment. Jesus' use of signs is clear. Anyone who can see the clouds or feel the wind can surely see the signs of the times. Only a hypocrite would blind him or herself to the evident signs of the Kingdom. In trying to fool others, a hypocrite fools himself or herself.

The signs of God's presence, power and warnings are all around us. He constantly reveals Himself to us in ordinary and extraordinary ways, calling us to unity and to be ready for return of the Son of Man. There is still time for decision, but do not delay for too long. Let us not fool ourselves and others. It is better to be ready when judgement day comes.