the word on delay
"Will He delay long over them, do you suppose?" —Luke 18:7
Because the Lord is outside of time, His perspective on timing is far different than ours (see 2 Pt 3:8; Is 55:8-9). In our humanity, we might "consider it 'delay' " on God's part (2 Pt 3:9) when it seems He's doing nothing. However, if God seems to be moving slowly or not at all, it's because He is showing "generous patience" (2 Pt 3:9) either to us or for the sake of others. If He "delays, wait for" Him (Hab 2:3), because He "will not be late" and "will not disappoint" (Hab 2:3). We must continue to pray always (Lk 18:1), never wavering in faith (Lk 18:8) and never losing heart (Lk 18:1)
We don't want God to delay, but we hold ourselves to a different standard. So God turns the tables on us and warns us:
- "Delay not" in keeping your promises to God (Eccl 5:3), especially your baptismal promises to reject sin and believe in the Triune God and the faith of the Church.
- "Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day" (Sir 5:8).
- "Delay not to forsake sins" (Sir 18:21). Repent now!
- "Delay not" to tithe and give alms to the poor (Sir 4:3).
The Church year ends in two weeks. Have you delayed doing God's will all year? "Why delay, then?" (Acts 22:16) Now is the time (2 Cor 6:2) to stop delaying and start delivering. God can save the best for last (Jn 2:10). Get moving! "Delay not!"
Prayer: Father, I've wasted enough of this year and my life on pleasures (1 Pt 4:3). Give me an urgency based on faith in You.
Promise: "He led forth His people with joy; with shouts of joy, His chosen ones." —Ps 105:43
Praise: St. Josaphat was only forty-three when he was martyred for the One for Whom he had given his all. He died in his attempt to unite opposing factions of the Ukrainian church.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 21, 2005
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