Giving ourselves to Jesus will require the time of our lives
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
Our readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time are all about time. The prophet Jonah tells the people of Nineveh that they have 40 days to repent or the city will be destroyed. Paul tells us that “time is running out – the world in its present form is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:29, 31). In our Gospel, Jesus asks Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. They drop everything immediately, leave behind their livelihood and families, and follow Jesus.
What does all this mean for us today? Think about how the world we grew up in seems to be passing away – so much has changed. Time has moved swiftly. How often have we said, “There isn’t enough time in a day…” or “I don’t have time”? There is so much we cannot control. What we can do is make the best of the time we have. The people of Nineveh DID repent – and God blessed them. The followers of Jesus used their time to spread the Gospel of love and be with the one who could change the world.
Time
- Can you take time to listen to someone who needs tender care or a helping hand?
- Can you have a “time out” during the day to reflect?
- How would you live your life if you knew time was running out?
Great questions as I ask myself that everyday as a caregiver. Putting ourselves aside to help others is what life is all about. Jesus showed us how to do this. He blesses our acts of kindness.