There isn’t an over-abundance of time in life. I do not know many (if anyone) people who can do exactly what they want, when they want. There is this mythical group I’ve heard of… ‘retirees’ … but I don’t think they exist, either. It seems like every one of them is busier than they were when they were working! Whether retired or still in the working world, most of us are busy folks. We choose carefully what we will and won’t do, curating a calendar that allows only the most important things to grace its boxes.
Recently, I read a post from a fellow priest that had me nodding and smiling. See, this guy says things that sometimes offend the ears of some people; he cares deeply for his congregation but he equally practices self-care and is unapologetically honest with his words. Anyway, one of his statements within the litany of ‘what to do and not do during Holy Week—a guide for priests’ was this:
“Jesus died so you do have to. Get yourself off the cross. Jesus will be resurrected regardless of how many hours you think you need to put in this week. No one is keeping track of how much you work except your own ego.”
I mean…say it louder for the people in the back?
What my colleague is saying hits home for all of us, I think. Whether it is holy week or just a regular calendar day, how much are we focusing on what we say really matters vs. what we want others to see? The world around us takes measure of our works and metes out judgement based on merit. From priests to parents, everyone is weighed by their works and involvement. “If I don’t do this, this, and this for my kids, they’ll think I don’t care. Others will, too.” Likewise, “If I don’t come to coffee hour every Sunday, people will whisper that I think I’m too important for that time.”
But the crux of all of this?
How much time do we spend with God? We say God is the center of our lives. We tell people we are Christians and that we believe in this or that. We quickly argue theology and have staunch beliefs. Yet when it comes to going to His house, we’re like everyone else… “I can’t this weekend, let’s meet up later.” (Note: I know God is everywhere, please read the statement as it is intended.) We make time for sports and vacations, for social outings and volunteer opportunities. That’s awesome. Yet there’s something to be said for the amount of time we don’t make for God in worship. I know I’m guilty of it (here’s looking at you, Morning Prayer) and I want to be better about matching who I say I am with how I spend my time.
I get it. Sometimes we just have to do things and there’s no way out of them. But that’s not the norm. We choose. We choose to overwork, to over function, to overthink, instead of being overjoyed at the option right in front of us: To go to God’s house, sit down, rest, have dinner, and be with our friends. That’s the message I have on my heart, today. Whatever you’re doing in your life reflects the things that are most important. I am not the judge of that; it is mere fact. If we say we love God, but then constantly rely on the adage, “God understands that I can’t be there…” then do we really put God first? Making time to do the important things matters.
Making time for God shouldn’t even be a consideration based upon how we talk about Him. If God is the center of your life, come back to the center. Come to church, worship with your family, take respite. Your kids will understand. Your parents will understand. Your friends will understand. If you show people what’s important to you, they’ll see and know that you are exactly where you want to be. Where you belong.
I will not overwork this week. I will worship. I will make time to pray in silence at home. I will sit with the story of Christ’s walk to Calvary and thank God for the sacrifice He makes so that I can live. There is nothing, NOTHING, more important than that. And on this week, the most holy of all weeks, I will go to God’s house, kick my shoes off, and stay a while. Not as a priest overworking, but as a child returning home on break from the world. And I will do it every Sunday, because it matters most to me.
I may be a priest, but I am a Christian, first. I want people to remember that more than anything else when I depart from this world. I don’t want to feed my own ego. I want to feed my soul.
I hope you do, too. See you when I see you, there’s a seat open next to me…
Faithfully,
Fr. Sean+