PERCEPTION

The scene captured in today’s text is not humorous, it is a scene that captures a trial which attempts to gain insight into the ongoing conflict between Paul and the Jews. However, things unravel quickly after one statement from Paul “, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

From here on, we quickly realise that what was meant to be “Paul against them”, quickly turned into “them against them”; and the reason was simple: “perception”- because “Paul had perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees”

As I reflected on the text, these thoughts came to mind: “you have to be able to perceive four things: “Seasons and situations, Moments and Men”.

Your preservation or destruction, your rising and falling are closely tied to your ability to perceive or discern the above. Seasons and situations may extend over a period, and so have to be navigated circumspectly. Moments on the other hand require instantaneous responses, yet you should be able to perceive when silence is weightier than speech, and where action trumps waiting.

#Sly