Time is a four letter word. While not a curse word, nevertheless time can feel like a curse given the relative lack of it. Especially at this time of the year.
We are often pressed for time; we try and find time for others -- or just for ourselves. We wonder where did the time go, almost as though it wasn't there in the first place.
As I read over the 10th verse of the first chapter in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, I am reintroduced to the "fullness of time." Which for me is kairos time. Time outside of time. Unbounded time -- when a moment can linger for what feels like an eternity. Moments when we literally lose track of time.
Most of us can recall moments of kairos time. The first few days after after our children were born was kairos time. More often than not for me, the breaking of the bread in the Eucharist is a kind of alarm clock for an encounter with kairos time.
No telling what might happen in the fullness of time. "In the fullness of time", Eucharistic Prayer B beseeches God to "put all things in subjection under your Christ" (page 369 of the Book of Common Prayer); which I think the Prayer Book authors took directly from Ephesians.
Children seem to be more open to kairos time than adults. Mainly because they are not bound -- as we adults are, to kronos time. Which is measured time. Most of us keep the measure of kronos time close at hand, if not literally wrapped around the hand. I think we have twelve clocks in our house, not counting computers or cell phones. I have three clocks in my office. If we are not slaves to time, we end up being indentured servants to it. Being on time -- and getting things done in time are important virtues, but our hyper-allegiance to kronos time runs the risk of erecting formidable barriers to the breaking in of the fullness of time. Where timeless kairos gifts await.
Friday, December 3, 2010
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Dear Reverend,
ReplyDeleteThe evening of the first Sunday of Advent I spoke at an AA meeting. During my talk, I recounted a meditation from that morning. Sitting in the pews of St. Alban's at the 8:00 service, I witnessed the lighting of the first Advent candle. My mind wandered and as I began to imagine the eventual lighting of the 4th candle I meditated on the word expectation.
In the rooms an expectation is referred to as a resentment in waiting or a future resentment. Expectation removes us from the present and losing sight of the here and now is a dangerous place for an alcoholic to inhabit. The day to day, in the day, one day at a time is how we get to where we need to go. So we give time, time. Time to stay on life's path, one day at a time. Time allows us to live the journey. Time allows for us to experience the realization of the grace of discovery and growth. One step at a time, as long as we remain sober, we receive the grace and enjoy the blessing of an abundant life promised by our Good Shepard.
Paradise is now, in the here and now. If I get to witness the lighting of that 4th candle of Advent that will be that days miraculous blessing.
Selah
peace and prayers to all the beloved,
Riskrapper