TIME IS A GIFT. Time, indeed, is a Gift that differs from all other gifts because it is given to everyone in equal measures – twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
The way one uses time, however, differs from one person to the other. The difference lies on how one looks at life.
If one looks at life to satisfy his physical cravings, then he uses much of his time to indulge in pleasures of the flesh.
If one looks at life to gain prestige and power, then he uses much of his time in the pursuit of honor and prestigious positions.
If one looks at life to acquire material possessions, then he uses much of his time to amass material wealth.
In the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, Jesus Christ was actually tempted by the devil with the above-mentioned ways of looking at life.
After fasting for forty days and forty nights the first temptation to Jesus by the devil was to command stones to become bread so as to satisfy his hunger, Jesus countered that “One does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”.
The second temptation was for Jesus to throw Himself from the parapet of the temple to show His authority and power over angels who will certainly support Him so as not be to hurt. Jesus countered that “one should not put God to the test”, as if to doubt His providential care.
The third temptation was for Jesus to prostrate Himself and worship the devil in order to acquire all the wealth of this world. Jesus countered that “it is only God Who should be worshipped and served”, because God alone is the Creator of the whole world.
Reflecting on the way Jesus countered all the temptations of the devil, I would like to share the following insights:
1. The Word of God as the Food of the soul should be given greater importance than the earthly commodities that are to satisfy the cravings of the flesh. Hence, it is good to spend more time in communing with God in prayer than in doing things to provide for our bodily needs.
2. One must realize that all power comes from God, that without God, one can do nothing. Hence, to humbly acknowledge our complete dependence on God and not act as if we deserve all power and prestige on earth is beneficial to our soul.
3. God is the Creator of the whole world. He alone has designed every creature in this world according to His infinite wisdom. Hence, God alone knows the mystery of the existence of every creature. Therefore, God alone can give full fulfillment to the reason for every person’s existence.
With the above-mentioned insights, I have decided to use the Gift of Time as follows:
1. Spend at least one hour every day, listening to the Word of God, particularly from the Holy Bible, and if possible, in the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Spend time in praying the Liturgy of the Hours everyday, humbly acknowledging my complete dependence on God and thanking Him for all His blessings.
3. Have a “Quiet Time” everyday, for at least thirty minutes, focusing on the Greatness of God and on how I could become really God-centered rather than self-centered, aiming always to do His Will and not my Will.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 6, 2011
