There is still time for endurance, time for patience, time for healing, time for change. Have you slipped? Rise up. Have you sinned? Cease. Do not stand among sinners, but leap aside. ~St. Basil
Yes, there is still time for change and healing. Most of us have something in our lives that needs healing. Perhaps we’re living in a situation that has separated us from family, friends or faith. Or, maybe we have a bad habit(s) that keep us from a healthier life. Or we might be living in a very dark corner that is keeping us from God.
St. Basil tells us that regardless of our situation we have time to change. When I read St. Basil’s words, I remembered the Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20: 1- 16). This is a rich parable that many scholars have written inspirational commentary. But let me share how I connected it to St. Basil’s quote.
As you know, Jesus’s parable is about a generous landowner and the vineyard workers. What has always made me pause in studying this parable is that the master of the house paid the workers who worked longer the same wages as the ones who came late in the day. Both were paid the same amount regardless of how long they had labored. Is this just?
God wants all His children to be saved and to live with Him forever in Heaven. He is generous and gives us time to enter His vineyard that will save us. Some of us respond early in life, while others heed the call during the last hour of the day or our life. Does it matter when we respond to the Master? Or is more important that we responded?
I think St. Basil is encouraging us to amend our ways and heal our lives while we have time. If slip along the way, “Rise up” he encourages us. Let’s work on those areas that need our attention. We will be happier with ourselves and find greater peace with God.
