December 18, 2019 – Osasu Oviawe

Time exists independent of man.

Humans have always tried to control time, by controlling their clocks. Clocks are not time. Humans try anyway.

I meet people that set their clock 10 minutes early. They say it helps them arrive at their various commitments early.

I meet people that set their clock 10 minutes late. They say it helps them feel a sense of urgency.

I have never seen a more stark form of self-deceit. If you set your clock early or late, you know the time, and in your mind, the main reference remains the actual time. You have just gotten used to noise over signal, and you have incorporated it into your system as what works.

Time exists independent of man. It keeps going at its pace, no matter what you do to your clock.

– Osasu Oviawe

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

Homily:

Joseph must have been confronted with thoughts of infidelity and betrayal. In those days, the consequence of such on women was fatal. It still is so. Instead of physical stones these days, we now throw emotional stones, which are just as fatal.

Joseph resolved to protect her dignity. This did not mean he chose to stay with her. No, he actually wanted to move on. It was a hurdle he was unwilling to carry. He chose to move on quietly, until he was enlightened in a dream and obeyed God’s command.

This passage speaks directly to me.

How do I handle hurt or transgressions? Do I handle it quietly? Do I protect the dignity of the transgressor? Do I move on? Do I open myself up to God’s message on the situation?
When I have been tested, I answered “No” to all these questions. To grow in faith, I need to answer “Yes” to all.

I am on it.

Day: December 18, 2019

Time

Dignity