WILL THE TIME BE THERE?

My Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The question is asked because we always say I wish I had more time to spend with my family, or more time to read, or more time to travel, and more time to attend Church.  I am reminded of a particular friend who came to me for advice, when he asked what he could do about a girl he was infatuated with.  It was all he could think about and talk about.  However, when he would ask her out on a date it was the same reply.  She told him that she would love to go out with him, but her work schedule, or school schedule, or other commitments were just too hectic and it wasn’t possible.  He asked me what he could do to creatively help her with some of her responsibilities and free up some commitments so that they could spend time together.  I was silent for a while and could not think of a tactful way to let him know that what she was really saying was that she did not have time for him.  It was hard but, I finally let him know just that, and that he should move on.  He needed to unlock the deep feelings he had to see the truth, if the interest is there – the time will be there.

My Brothers and Sisters, we have the time, we are spending it somewhere else.  During this Holy Lenten season we are asked to spend time in prayer, fasting and through this time of discipline to look toward our inner self.  Let us take a moment to look at the time we spend during a day at work, at school, at play and what time we spend to intensify our spiritual struggles for the benefit of our spiritual well being.  We all know that good things can only be acquired through hard work.  We are human and will make time for what we see as a priority and work hard to obtain a goal or particular satisfaction.  Let us look at whether we are prioritizing the right things.

Let me suggest that our spiritual life should be a priority and that we take the time to express a desire to meet the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom everything is derived.  Our Church provides an excellent opportunity for this purpose during this Lenten season.  Take a moment each hour and reflect on the passion of our Lord heading to the cross.  At meal times when we are fasting think about those who may not be able to enjoy such a meal.  Several times each day offer thanks to God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy for you, your family, His Church, and all His people and that His love fill your heart.  Write in your calendars the date and time of Church services so you can let everyone know that is where you are going and you will not be able to attend another function.  Let us together continue our spiritual struggle on our journey toward our Resurrected Lord by making the time be there so we can all together rejoice and enjoy in all it’s fullness the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, this Pascha season and always. .