Pastoral Theology: What it means to 'read the signs' One basic belief that lies behind the social teaching of Catholics is that the Almighty has shaped human history. This biblical era perception transcends time, prevailing even today. Indeed, it holds true in areas and among civilizations wherein God's word is accepted as well as among civilizations that were completely unaware of Christ or the gospel. God is in action, redeeming and healing humanity and inviting it to contribute to this work. Perceiving God's historical actions and understanding His invitation, is now, typically called: "reading the signs of the times." In the modern social thought of Catholics, this term is based on the following statement of Christ's to Sadducees and Pharisees: "You know how to read the face of the sky, but you cannot read the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:4). Pope Saint John XXIII first utilized this phrase in modern social teaching of the Catholic group of Christians to denote the key features of the era, emerging from human society's collective consciousness as social movements and shared understandings (Kroeger, 2014). The former Pope believed the workers' rights and women's rights movements, as well as the abolition of colonialism were key "signs of the times." Consequently, these "signs" point towards, and personify, the Holy Spirit's movement in the history of humanity, working to lead to mankind's redemption as well as the fuller recognition of God's Reign. Interpretation of these signs necessitates prayerful acumen among Christians and during dialogue with every person of good ambition. The conditions for this judgment involve the consistency of the modern "signs" with Christ's teachings, common good, and the Christian perception of mankind's nature (Beth, 2004).

It is the Church's duty to look into and interpret the signs of different eras, since such an analysis is essential to the accomplishment of its goal to propagate Jesus's work. There are three points to be borne in mind when it comes to studying and interpreting the "signs." Firstly, the objective of this scrutiny and interpretation must be finding responses to questions pertaining to life's meaning in this world and the next, in addition to how the two are related; these responses are highly vital to humans. Secondly, for effectively responding to the above questions, men and women of the cloth need to understand the world's character, desires, and hopes. Lastly, this interpretation can never be complete; however, it has to be carried out continuously for suiting different generations. Therefore, the church will be engaged in a constant hermeneutical undertaking; the text being the world. Pope Paul VI stated that reading the "signs of the times" meant theologically interpreting modern history; it is not simply a retrospective interpretation of previous times. It must be perceived as an effort to discover indications and signs of a link to God's kingdom, in the present age.

In comprehending the "signs," a number of observations are exposed. Firstly, every individual has a duty and a right to realize the link between the world's events and moral good known to him/her via conscience. Therefore, the understanding of these signs is not perceived as a Christian monopoly. Secondly, however, Christians contribute uniquely to this enlightenment. They are aware that reading of the signs involves contemplating whether ideas, discoveries, achievements, and events of the era diminish or enrich true humanity. In order to hold oneself in this quest, one should read the signs by identifying resemblances and correspondences between real humanity and modern world experiences. Should this appear to be an overly static view of humanity, it will become evident that the nature of man is dynamic. Therefore, the question Christians ought to pose when occupied in the interpretation of signs is whether modern events complement messianic and biblical history right from the time of Resurrection to that of the Second Coming.

A second observation is that: clearly, every Christian will read the signs quite differently, as one individual will have access to information that is denied to another, as well as because of differences in individual consciences. Believers should resist the urge to identify their interpretation of the era they live in, with the Almighty's judgment. Even permitting enhanced clarity on the charisma of prophecy, one needs to remember that God's prophetic word transmits through God's people, rather than to any specific person. Hence, the Church, being that 'people', becomes the center of Christianity's interpretation of signs. Therefore, what protects a genuine Christian reading of modern history from neo-clerical and pseudo-prophetic temptations that desire to directly derive a political structure from Scripture...

Though whole of mankind is capable of applying the above standard to current events, Christianity, connected through hierarchical spiritual relationships and guided by the third person in the Trinity, makes a distinctive contribution to interpretation of these signs. This interpretation is a joint endeavor among all individuals holding good will, and Christians need to be particularly careful and avoid all "triumphalism" (Himes, 2013).
The biblical injunction to interpret signs is seen in Johannine as well as synoptic traditions (e.g., when Christ advises listeners to pay attention to messianic indications, or his miracles heralding the Kingdom's advent). These indications are as evident as the absolutely evident signs of changes in season such as omens of bad weather or crop fields ready for harvest. The generation that requests more than is already bestowed on it, is considered unfaithful and evil and may only be given Jonah's sign. The subsequent depiction of the contemporary world underlines a period of swift, immense change. Progress is accompanied by paralysis and insecurity; ambiguities of poverty and wealth, bondage and freedom; a dynamic idea of reality that stems from scientific and technological advancements, influenced socially by migration, industrialization, and urbanization, and religiously, with questions of disbelief and belief becoming widespread, in the midst of increasing demands for economic and political emancipation and justice. The understanding of these human ambiguities implies that mankind is raising questions before itself. This is where one can uncover the source of issues, as the imbalances currently influencing our world, in reality are, linked to a profounder imbalance grounded in man's heart, wherein different facets oppose one another (Kirwan, 2010).

Religious leaders are not responsible for providing a comprehensive analysis of modern reality; however, every community must be watchful of the "signs." This, certainly, constitutes a serious responsibility and unless one effectively addresses it, it has the potential to set off dehumanization processes that would be very difficult, if at all, to reverse. Individuals need to differentiate clearly between what may be one of the fruits of God's kingdom, and what is contrary to His plan. This entails recognition and discernment of spirits, as well as choosing good movements and avoiding those stemming from the evil spirit. From the pastoral point-of-view, the study must concentrate on specific factors capable of enfeebling or limiting urges of Church missionary renewal -- either because of the threat to the dignity and life of the Almighty's people, or due to the fact that they impact persons involved directly in the institutions of the Church and those engaged in evangelization (Loris, 2004).

The present era is at a historical turning-point, as is seen from the advancements achieved in various areas. The steps taken towards improving mankind's welfare in the areas like healthcare, communications, and education ought to be praised. Concurrently, one must remember that much of mankind is barely making it from one day to the next, and the consequences are dire. Several diseases are seen to be spreading. Humanity's heart is gripped by desperation and fear, even in supposedly prosperous nations. The joys of life often fade, and violence, inequality, and a lack of regard for fellow human beings are rife. Such an epochal change is set off by the vast quantitative, qualitative, cumulative, and swift developments in science and technology, as well as by their instantaneous employment in different domains of life and nature. The world is now in an era of information and knowledge, resulting in novel, and frequently unknown, types of power.

A "sign of the times" that particularly needs to be studied in the current world may be seen in the relationship between man and money, as mankind calmly accepts its control over society and oneself. The present financial crisis may make one forget that its origins lie in a great crisis of humanity: a denial of our primacy! Man has created new idols. Citing the Bible's narrative in the Exodus, the golden calf's worship has been renewed in the novel, to counter coldblooded guise of worship of money, together with the despotism of an uncongenial economy that lacks a true human purpose. Further, in "Timothy," it has been stated that a love for money represents the root cause of…