The Hour of Jesus is our Time

                                                             (Reflection for NEW YEAR 2020)

Time is on the move. The disappearance and emergence of years—the numbering of time—is more than mere mathematical calculation. The dawn of new calendar year is loaded with great opportunities as well as uncertainties. The unfolding of time gradually and steadily reveals what we make of life in time. The reference and relevance of each year to our lives draws from the value we acquire therein. Fear, joy or hope can be the inclination of our hearts as we look into the New Year. Still, time moves on! Thus, awareness of this constant flow of time, challenges us to work hard to achieve great value within the time available, at each moment. This is how we escape the depressing sense of nothingness that can come with the passing of years. 

I wish you a happy New Year because we now have an opportunity to achieve great value in time. The value we aspire today comes from beyond time. The eternal God, who created time, has become Master of our time in Jesus Christ. Jesus is now the “Beginning”, the “First Born of all creation.” All that live draw life and value from Him. He becomes the ‘reason’ for our lives and the destination of our life journey in time. So Jesus is the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. All times and seasons belong to Him. The hour of Jesus has become our time. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (Jn 12:23). Therefore, this day, this year, is the real time of favour, now the day of salvation (cf. 2Cor 6:2). We are happy for the New Year because it is now a new opportunity in grace through Jesus Christ.

Let us match in to the Year 2020 with great plans, resolutions and actions. Jesus is at the centre of our counting of years. Let the inspiration and motives of our New Year commitments flow from the grace and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any step we take this year that cannot be referenced to Jesus Christ will expose us to the nothingness side of time; it will definitely diminish our value in time. We might not be faithful or consistent in our resolution, but Jesus is ever faithful (cf. 2Tim 2:13). So we must constantly renew our commitment as the year unfolds. The hour of Jesus is our time, i.e. the time of salvation.

Be grace-filled and be grateful for the year 2020. Happy New Year!!!

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

January 1, 2020.