Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop Robert C. Morlino Thursday, January 15, 2004 10:30 a.m. -- Pastoral Visit to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz No events to report

Gift of time: Allow Christ's mercy to be revealed in our lives

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Friends,

It is interesting to note how in more recent years so many people, so many families have opted for a quieter celebration of New Year's Eve - a quieter setting in which to "ring in the new year." The tragedies of recent years, most notably of September 11^th and the follow-up terrorist horrors, have certainly had a sobering effect on the lives of many. It has dawned on many, I believe, that as I have often said, the world becomes increasingly a place without mercy rather than mercy's home.

"Christ is the Lord of time and it is at His disposal for His purposes. And His purposes are precisely those of mercy. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day is meant to be a revelation of the mercy of Jesus Christ. That is the meaning of time as it passes."

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, we all take special note of the passage of time. In a way this focus on time is in anticipation of our Easter celebration. In the light of the Resurrection, all the seasons and all the ages belong to Christ. Christ is the Lord of time and it is at His disposal for His purposes. And His purposes are precisely those of mercy. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day is meant to be a revelation of the mercy of Jesus Christ. That is the meaning of time as it passes.

And so as we move to the year of our Lord 2004, we might first examine our consciences about our lives during the year 2003. Did we live out the precious gift of time so that God's mercy might be revealed in our lives? How much time did we waste? And to what degree did we betray the truth about time by participating in or condoning what is rightly called merciless? And with regard to the year 2004, will that precious gift of time be for us the revelation of Christ's mercy which He has formed and fashioned time to be by His glorious Resurrection? These are worthwhile thoughts as the clock ticks past midnight from December 31^st to January 1^st, or as we watch the apple drop in Times Square or whatever. As we ring in the new year let our thoughts turn to Christ. Let our thoughts turn to mercy. Praised be Jesus Christ! Thank you for reading this. God bless each one of you.

Please be assured of my sincere prayer that every blessing of a deeper faith, of health, of safety, of peace will be with you and your loved ones throughout the new year and know that I count on your good prayers as well as we enter 2004. God bless you.