1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today.”

“That’s not a huge sin. There’s no rush to go to Confession right now. Oh yes, it would be very good to go; in fact, you really ought to make a good, systematic examination of conscience sometime soon. But today is already half gone. Wait until Saturday when it’s easier and when you can confess properly.” This is a common and clever temptation. And often enough, when Saturday comes, there’s a new reason to put it off—if we even remember our intention. It’s far better to repent today, however poor the circumstances, than to wait for the perfect moment.

In the face of this kind of temptation, the Letter to the Hebrews gives refreshingly direct advice: “Encourage yourselves daily while it is still ‘today’” (3:13). As a warning to Jewish Christians tempted to grow weary of their discipleship or to be indifferent to Jesus, the author uses the example of the ancient Israelites. During their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, they cried out against God in the desert (Numbers 14). Rather than encouraging each other to remember their destiny, they focused their attention on all the current hardships.

We may not be wandering in a desert like the Israelites or facing persecution like the early Christians, but we can certainly be tempted by indifference and procrastination. What we put off until tomorrow can reveal our priorities and the state of our hearts. We may need to get so many things done today that the things God wants of us—whether praying, going to Confession, or looking in on a neighbor—those can always wait for tomorrow. These upside-down priorities can be a sign that we need to choose for the Lord today.

So take a look at your priorities today. Is there something you’ve been avoiding? Can you rearrange your day so that you are more available to the Lord? Try to make time to listen for his voice in prayer, even when you have a lot going on. If you feel inspired to reach out to a neighbor or reconcile with an estranged family member, “harden not your heart” (Psalm 95:8). And if the Spirit urges you to go to Confession, don’t delay. Do it today.

“Help me, O God, to do your will today.”

Psalm 95:6-11
Mark 1:40-45
Hebrews 3:7-14

WORD AMONG US