A Good Time for Fulfillment

01-21-2024Weekly Reflection© LPi Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman

There are some things that always come at the worst time. I’ve never gotten a telemarketing call and thought, “This is a really convenient moment for me to listen to a sales pitch.” I’ve never seen the compulsory software update notice flash on my computer screen when I didn’t have a deadline I was struggling to meet. My kids never come down with the flu unless it’s the weekend and the line at Urgent Care is stretching out the door.

And I never, ever feel the calm, persistent shoulder-tap of the Holy Spirit without thinking, “Now? Now is not a good time. Can you try again when I’m…”

But then I stop and think: when I am what? When I am stronger? When I am happier? When I am smarter? When I am a different person?

When God calls us, He calls the person He sees in front of Him. “Come on,” He says, and He doesn’t mean “When you’re finished” or “When it’s convenient” or “Think about it.” He means now. This moment.

This is what Paul is saying when he writes that “the world in its present form is passing away.” He is saying that your plans mean nothing, the kingdom of God is at hand. Abandon your nets, let your catch escape into the sea. You’re not who you thought you were, and you don’t need what you thought you needed.

Your sins do not define you. Your fears are not fate. Your inclinations do not govern you. Your life can be changed. We live in the time of fulfillment, and fulfillment is coming for you — ready or not.

“Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment.’” — Mark 1:14