Moving in Time

A Reflection on the Second Reading for January 24th, 2021:
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Corinthians
7.29-31


Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

There is something about time running out that elicits different reactions in people. I myself have never been great at time management, often unaware that time is passing. Some folks need that final push to get things done, energized by a looming deadline. Still others might freeze. For a beloved person in my life, any utterance of disappearing time results in complete shut down. Paring down distractions and figuring out what’s essential helps them move forward and make the best use of what time is left.

Here Paul is delivering one such preparatory message — the appointed time is growing short. Reading one verse further in Corinthians would show that he gives this warning not to make us anxious, but rather to free us from “all anxieties." He is forecasting the most significant event of our lives — our imminent meeting with the Lord. Paul knows this is big enough to stop anyone in their tracks! Like a good teacher, mentor, or trusted advisor, he anticipates different responses to this warning. So he scaffolds his message by eliminating points of distraction so we can focus on what is most essential:

Let even those who have wives be as though they had none,
and those who mourn as though they were not mourning,
and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing,
and those who buy as if they had no possessions,
and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it.

When time is running out, it’s so easy to panic and get distracted by what seems important — relationships, responsibilities, wealth, losses, failures, successes, debts, possessions, heartbreak, the list could go on. But Paul reminds me to focus on who and what matters despite my circumstances.

I forget so often that the Lord knows intimately my circumstances at any given moment. Not only does He care for me, but He cares better than me for everything I care about! His hand has been over all aspects of my life since time began.

How would I react if my world was “ending” or my death was forthcoming? Does the idea launch me into a flurry of unfocused activity, rushing to ensure everyone and everything in my life is tended to? Am I caught completely off guard, unprepared and wondering where the time has gone? Am I paralyzed by the time limit, overwhelmed by the options of what to do with the time that remains?

If I keep Paul’s advice and fix my eyes on the Lord, what's essential will come into focus. I will find peace in knowing how to move and live within the time I’m given.

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Michelynne Gomez

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