It's about time

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062025.cfm

What is at the beginning of the end, the start of eternity, at the end of time and space, was in the middle of yesterday but is nowhere in tomorrow? The letter E. But I bet you thought it was going to be something about time. There are many riddles about time, because time is a bit of a riddle. It doesn't exist, really. It has no source, no form yet we often allow it to rule our lives, and even if we don't, it certainly 'catches up to us'. We don't know how much of it we have, and we can't buy more if we need it.

In today's Gospel, Jesus shares this phrase: "where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." I would suggest that one of our greatest treasures is our time. So it makes sense to think about how we spend it. If you are brave, take on this assignment: Write down a list of the 5-10 most important things in your life. Then, track your activity for one week, and write down what things occupy your days and nights. Now compare the two and see how they match up. Then take some steps to correct the imbalance (if there is one).

One of the important lessons that I have learned (by learned, I mean I know it should be done and I do it sometimes) in ministry, is that time is the ultimate gift. When we give it, we don't know if we are giving one millionth of the time we have left, or half of it. That's what makes it a beautiful gift. The time we share with others is precious if we care to see it that way.

Jean-Pierre de Causade, in his book Abandonment to Divine Providence introduces a concept called the Sacrament of the Moment. Those of you who are Baltimore Catechism fans (or victims) probably recall that a sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to impart God's grace. Well that is the opportunity that have when we intentionally share time with people - we impart God's grace. That moment becomes sacramental - if we allow it. As you plan your day and think about how you will spend your time - think also about how you might impart some grace in those moments.

I would also encourage you to be open to allowing the Spirit to dictate your schedule to you. Be 'available', be 'interruptible', be 'present' for those around you who need you. When we respond to 'interruptions' as an opportunity to share a moment of grace, most often we will find that the grace is shared with us. When Jesus says, 'store up your treasures in heaven', if we think of our treasure as time, then we should know that our time in heaven will be unlimited, and when we share the grace of our time here, we are rewarded a hundred-fold in heaven.

I can bring tears to your eyes; resurrect the dead, make you smile, and reverse time. I form in an instant, but I last a lifetime. What am I? A memory.

Start storing up your treasures today.