Now is The Time

The expression “pity party” gained widespread use during the latter part of the twentieth century. The phrase employs a colorful metaphor, comparing self-pity to a gathering where an individual is both the host and only attendee, focusing excessive attention on personal hardships and disappointments. It suggests that dwelling on one’s misfortunes can become a form of self-indulgence that hinders personal growth and forward progress. Over time, the term has become a common and often lighthearted way to describe situations in which someone is lingering in feelings of sadness, frustration, or disappointment. While frequently used humorously, it also serves as a reminder to maintain perspective, cultivate resilience, and move beyond setbacks.

A priest once told me that one of the saddest things he witnesses are those who live their lives without an understanding of what their lives should be about. He noted that some think their lives will be fulfilled by the accumulation of earthly treasure reflected in larger houses and investment accounts. Others think it’s about social status and being “seen” on that proverbial red carpet. According to him, fewer see their lives in relationship to God, the One who gave us life and sustains our every breath. So, he pitied and prayed for them.

A woman once told me a story of her brother-in-law. Having been raised in the Catholic faith, he veered from it after high school. Over the course of many decades, when confronted by family members about why he had left the Faith, his response was always the same: “I don’t need the Church to tell me how to live my life.” Regarding his “life philosophy,” he remained committed to it until being diagnosed with an illness that would end his earthly life.

Throughout his final days spent in the hospital, she recounted that family members visited, and stories were told. But then, something remarkable happened. For on the day he died, her brother-in-law turned to her and asked that she find a priest. In her mind, she thought: “A priest! Really?” And shortly thereafter, a chaplain arrived, family exited his hospital room, and her brother-in-law made his final confession and received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

An hour later, with a smile on his face, he died. After years of separation from that moment, she shared with me her analysis of what had happened. First, she believed that her brother-in-law, in the moments before his death, had a profound encounter with the Lord and received His gift of forgiveness and mercy. And further, despite the many years he had turned his back to Him, the Lord continued to seek him out.

In the Gospel of Matthew (9:36), Our Lord’s pity for us is on full display:

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.

For, as He stood before them, Jesus recognized their suffering and need and was moved by their pain and hardships. And He also understood that many of them were lost and lacked direction in their lives. Sound familiar?

Another story. This past week, I called my mother to tell her that my father (who passed on Christmas morning 13 years ago) had been on my mind—especially a visual that I’ve had of him since I was a little boy. The visual was a routine that I witnessed whereby each morning, he would place his trusted Timex watch on his left wrist, wind it up, and be on his way. I told her that for me, his routine had a profound impact on me because it represented a sense of stability and continuity. At the conclusion of our conversation, I asked her if she remembered where that watch ended up. To my surprise, she reminded me that a box containing his personal belongings (watch, wallet, etc) was somewhere in my possession. And so, after hanging up with her, I found the box and that important watch. A vintage 1960s Marlin, it had witnessed much. But, given that it hadn’t been wound since my father’s passing in 2013, the second hand was silent. And so, I gave it a try. After placing it on my wrist, I wound it and lo and behold, that watch which had “taken a licking, began ticking.” Once more.

Perhaps we can apply this story to our own faith life and commitment to follow Jesus? If the practice of our Faith is stuck or has become one of going through the motions, now is the time to wind it up. Or, if we know someone who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus, now is the time to wind up our courage and invite them to learn about the Lord.

Also, if we’ve forgotten just how much our God loves and longs for us, we do well to consider what God instructed Moses (Exodus 19:2-6) on the mountain to pass along to the Israelites who were parked in the Sinai desert.

You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptians
and how I bore you up on eagle wings
and brought you here to myself.
Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant,
you shall be my special possession,
dearer to me than all other people,
though all the earth is mine.
You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.

On this 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, may we remind ourselves that this world and the “things” of this world are passing away. In the end, divine time is all that matters. As such, perhaps our own personal rewinds include praying more, reflecting upon the Sunday readings before Mass, and asking Jesus for guidance in our lives.

For whatever the time may be, He is always there for us.