What Time is it?

But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Mark 13:32-33

Earlier this week I thought, “It is time to start writing a Life Note for this week.” It was about 7:00 PM on Monday evening. I do not routinely begin a Life Note at 7:00 PM on Monday evenings, but that was not what I meant. I meant that it was about time to begin this week’s Life Note. Confusing? Yes, the English language is full of words, like time, with multiple meanings. In general, I like to begin writing my weekly blog several days before publishing it on Thursday mornings. That gives me time to reconsider, refine, and review my writing on a particular topic. Thus, it was time to begin.

There are at least two Greek words that describe time. The first, chronos, refers to the actual time, such as “It is now 7:00 PM.” The second, kairos, expresses a less specific aspect of time, sometimes referring to a stage of life. “It is time to write my will,” is an example. Expressing our final wishes in a will is not an urgent task for most of us, but completing it before we pass from this life is important. Beginning a Life Note is not an urgent task for Monday evenings, but it is important (at least to me) to start thinking about what and when I will begin writing.

From a whole-life perspective, what time is it for you? The context for the passage from Mark, above, is about the second coming of Christ. There is much disagreement about the nature of that appearance, but one thing is clear – no one knows the time. Therefore, the time to prepare is always now. We are not guaranteed another moment of physical embodiment beyond the current one. There are experiences, learning opportunities, accomplishments, and relationships that each of us is specifically gifted for. While I believe our life’s work continues beyond death, there is much to be done while we are physically manifested. What unfinished tasks need your attention at this time in your life?

This is the fifth week of Lent, the season of preparation for Easter. Lent is a 6-week season, so for anyone planning to follow one of the many Lenten practices, it is time to begin! This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Next week is Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. For those who have not begun, it is time.

Come home to church this Sunday. It is time.