In the "Preciousness of Faith" column of the Peace Weekly, the priest helps us understand the challenges of health and the importance of healing.
We spend time without much thought, but time is very important in our lives. If we take proper measures, a wound will heal over time. We want it to heal quickly, but a wounded body needs time to recover its health.
The same goes for our hearts. Our delicate hearts are prone to getting hurt, and they need time to heal and regain their health. We are weak and vulnerable and need time and care to heal our wounds.
Time also plays a very important role in faith. Jesus began to preach the gospel when the time was ripe. “The time is ripe, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news.” (Mark 1:15) Even during his public life, Jesus waited for his time. “Before the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.” (John 13:1) Only when the time is ripe can something be seen. Especially the will of God.
When a priest in France said that he had only begun to understand the gospel at the age of 80, the columnist did not understand what he was saying. As time passes, life becomes deeper, faith matures, and the depth of Jesus’ words and actions approaches us in a different way than before. Our eyes have been opened to see the truth.
The truth of faith is also often understood after a long time. Jesus’ words to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us seem like unrealistic commandments that are difficult to follow. However, as time passes, our emotions often eventually recover and begin to make sense. And that depends on time. With the Lord’s care that embraces and heals our wounds.
Jesus was well aware of our weaknesses and limitations. However, Jesus never takes back His commandment to love our enemies. He just waits. Because there is no other way to health and growth. True happiness cannot be experienced without forgiveness and reconciliation. However, as time passes, clues will emerge and a way to live will become apparent. That is why we can continue to move forward while waiting for time to ripen.
It will be the moment when we reach the threshold of wisdom. That time is the time needed for our love to ripen, and that distance is the reminder that there is a path we must walk, and that we must continue to move forward with courage, despite our weaknesses and limitations.
Time is the medicine. Little by little, we gain the wisdom and courage to let go. The generosity and magnanimity that allows us to wait, understand, and embrace will liberate our souls.
This is how time teaches us. How to accumulate wisdom, how to wait, and how to receive generously. That's how we mature. If you're feeling unsettled and shaken right now, tell yourself that time will solve everything. And that time belongs to God.