Time: Gift and Mystery

Time is both a gift and a mystery. We should approach it with a sense of awe and gratitude. During this trying period when we have the luxury of time, may we take effort to reconsider those things which are truly meaningful — and eternal.

At the turn of the 21st century, we had seen incredible breakthroughs which brought about a lasting impact on the field of physical science. The genius Albert Einstein formulated his Theory of Relativity. From then on, various discoveries and speculations were made by other scientists and astronomers. The Universe was proven to be continually expanding. Later, Time gained prominence as it had been considered as the Fourth Dimension — Length, Width and Height being the first three. And, intriguingly, some speculated that a Time Machine could bring us back to the past, enabling us to manipulate things which had already happened.

Nonetheless, it is apt to depart from such profoundly scholastic understanding of time and approach it in light of our Christian faith. Our Lord always challenges us to make good use of our limited time on earth and to desire eternal things because “we do not have a dwelling place here, but we seek that which is to come” (Heb. 13:14).

During this pandemic, when almost everyone is confined at home, we have the luxury of time to be still and to be with ourselves. Ironic it may seem, this difficult situation can be a form of spiritual blessing if we see this as an opportune time to revisit the fundamentals of our faith. It is expedient to scrutinize ourselves as to where we are now in our spiritual journey to the Father.

And so, instead of indulging in Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube which relate us with other mortals, may we have more time talking with the Father in prayer. Instead of pampering ourselves with worldly entertainments which give fleeting joy, may we give more time reading the Sacred Scriptures and availing the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (if readily available).

Our dear Lady said to Jacinta, one of the three Fatima children, that “if men only knew what eternity is, they would do everything in their power to change their lives.” And on another occasion, our Lady revealed that “more souls go to Hell because of sins of the flesh than for any other reason.” Sadly, today’s social media is so sex-saturated, targeting the vulnerability of the young. Pornography abounds — undermining the sacredness of sexual act. In this regard, we implore our Blessed Mother, through the Holy Rosary, to aid us in these trying times.

Lastly, we thank our Lord for the gift of time. And we should be persevering in doing things which guarantee eternal life. Otherwise, this precious life which God had given us will become a monumental waste of time. (Lemuel Asdang)