Friday of week 8 in Ordinary Time, II

Time

Mark 11:11-26

The readings seem to speak of time and how we are to use it.

In the first reading, St. Peter wrote, "Everything will come to an end.  So, pray better and keep a calm and sober mind."

In the gospel, there are two stories, each complementing each other - the story of a fig tree and the driving away of the sellers and buyers.  The main message of these stories lie in being barren or lacking fruitfulness.

When our time stops, we shall be held accountable either for the fruitfulness or barrenness of our lives.

Every Eucharist presents to us an eternal or perpetual presence of Jesus.  Here, time almost stops so we may experience the joy of being with Jesus, and knowing, loving, and serving him.  From here comes forth a fruitful life or a life dedicated to God.

Suzy Welch authored a book titled "10-10-10" for effective decision making.  She theorized the rule of deciding by asking this question: "What is the consequence of my decision in 10 minutes?  In 10 hours? In 10 years?"

For us Catholics, we can learn from this theory by asking this question: "What is the consequence of my decision to eternal life?"  Will our decision benefit the whole of humanity and not just our own?  Will our decision resound to future generations or only to our time today?  And finally, will our decision reach out to God or will it just be enough to sustain our lives here on earth?

Let us think of eternity.  But eternity starts with our time on earth.  Use it now for God.