More time

Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8;  YOU saved my life, O  Lord, I shall not die;
Mt 12:1-8

Words from the YOUCAT  catechism about the end, "Toward those who have chosen life, GOd will act creatively once again.  In a "new body" they will live forever in GOd's glory and praise him with body and soul."

The redeemed shall stand face to face with GOd-as his friends.

In the first reading Hezekiah is mortally ill.  He is on the verge of death.

Think of the words of the prophet Isaiah to Hezekiah, "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; yo shall not recover."

What would we do if this message came to us?  What does our house look like?  Are we ready to depart?  Is all in order?

Hezekiah weeps bitterly at the pronouncement.

Perhaps he was humbled by the advance notice.  Not everyone gets an advanced noticed of their death.

But wait.  Death does not come just yet.
HEzekiah is granted fifteen more years.  The Sun goes backwards ten steps just to prove God's ability to turn back time.

What would you do with more time?

How would you live if you knew you had only fifteen years left?

What kind of urgency would captivate your heart as the clock slowly ticked down?

Fifteen years is a good amount.  But we must remember that in Christ we have been given a bit more.
In Christ, we have been given the eternal day where no shadows remain.

Regardless of what is left, we know what remains for those who believe and live their life faithfully.