Do you know what time it is?
It’s really a key question for our lives, because time has a way of slipping up on us.
What time is it? Paul tells us it’s time to be awake, and to be transformed into the newness that God’s future will bring.
Paul expected the appearance of the Lord in the very near future. It didn’t happen that way, but who is to say it still isn’t true? Cardinal George is reflecting on his own mortality and realizes that he may not have as long as he would like left on this earth.
When one is into older age it is apparent that most of life as we know it is over, and we may reflect both on what has happened and what is yet to be. Sudden death,fatal illness, old age, natural causes; we all succumb. The question is not if, but when we die. So, what are we to do as we await. Paul says, “Wake up!” Love, mission, service, that’s what’s called for. What time is it? The time for love, generosity, service, awareness, for salvation is nearer now that when we first believed.
Put on the new life of Christ and await the transformation with joy and gladness.
Bob Haas
First Pres Joliet 
October 25, 2014 at 8:18 am
Thanks Bob. This passage has a message for us no matter our age. We must all “wake up” and act like we are Christians. We must put petty differences aside and love one another as Christ loves us. We won’t all agree, but we can agree to show love, and as we’ve seen the past several days- “Love one another” is the greatest commandment. Verse 14 reminds me of one of my favorite passages- Colossians 3:12-17 about clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. All are wonderful qualities we Christians should be showing (“dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ”)
Greet this day with love in your heart.
October 25, 2014 at 9:18 am
Thanks, Bob. I enjoy your insights. As I focus more on showing love, I find its so much easier to share Christ. Afterall, Jesus said that living your neighbor as yourself is the greatest commandment and sums up all the rest.
October 25, 2014 at 10:54 am
I still remember one summer’s VBS when I was a child. The theme was “Time to Serve the Lord.” The catchy little tune we sang over and over again started out–“Do you know what time it is?–time to serve the Lord.” I still find myself humming that tune today! Events happening in our church family over the past week have just reimbursed my beliefs. How do we act as Christians? By our non-judgmental love for those we meet, by forgiveness; and when someone is hurting, by our compassion (as Sheldon on Big Bang Theory has been taught, offer them a hot beverage and a “there, there”). We can do much more!
October 25, 2014 at 12:01 pm
As to the time, it’s most likely latter than we think!?