The bottom line is, we want it all, and we want it now! Patience is gone. Pedagogical philosophies such as Suzuki piano method try to teach patience, but so often it is far too difficult. We can’t even stand 30-second commercials anymore; we need to TiVo the programs we watch so we can fast-forward through the ads. And the commercials we do watch – have you ever noticed how fast and furious the images come at you?
So we have entered the era of the 30-minute meal, a phrase coined by Food Network star Rachael Ray. Her program is based on the idea that in a half hour, she can prepare a “healthy and delicious meal, start to finish.”
Kristi and I enjoy her show. Kristi’s mom absolutely loves it, even if the recipes don’t sound so good to her. Rachael is entertaining and educational. And fast. Thirty minutes fast.
The problem is, this mindset doesn’t stop in the kitchen. It is a part of our entire lives. It even affects church! I can’t tell you how many of my Roman Catholic friends will brag about “Father So-and-so, who can say Mass in 35 minutes!” They get excited about how quickly they can get it over with.
It crosses boundaries as well. One of the arguments I have actually heard against every Sunday Eucharist is that it takes too long! We might not get out the door in 59 minutes!
But what is more important than Jesus? Why is it necessary for a 30-Miniute Mass? Why does the Divine Service need a stop watch?
It doesn’t. Our dear Lord and Savior waited patiently until His hour had come, when He gave Himself over to death, and at the right time rose again, and ascended – all for you! He did not rush anything, or get impatient and sloppy. Jesus stepped into time, and sanctified it for you. In fact, He is the Lord of time!
We can enjoy entertainment such as 30 Minute Meals. But don’t let it infect your thinking about the Divine Liturgy. Take off that watch, turn away from the clock, and give thanks for the time that God graciously gives you daily for all your worship, work, and play.
1 comment:
Amen and Amen!
I am very jealous of my time. Between school, family and friends, it seems as though I always have something on my schedule.
Martin Luther is often attributed as saying, "I have so much to do that I must spend the first three hours in prayer."
That's a good example - God asks from us our first fruits. That's not just in the form of an envelope in the offering plate, but of our time as well.
I can always tell the difference between a day where I have spent time in prayer and silence with God and on days when I have not.
Going to church on Sunday morning should not be a check in the box of something I have to do...It is a privilege to get together with others who worship the same creator God! I should be disappointed when the service lets out - not relieved.
Good word, Rich. :-)
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