Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
As I write I am surrounded by the energy of Spring. The growth, and beauty of plants in their season of growth and flowering is spellbinding. Our garden is in a cool climate area and so spring comes a little later than other places. Yet when Spring comes is a mystery. It does not begin and end on a particular date. We use the months of Spring as a convenient label for a natural season.
The Greek word ‘Kairos’ is used in the New Testament to describe the time of the season. It can also mean the opportune moment, or the right moment when God acts, independent of date, event or the clock!
Kairos can come as a gift and call to act. Our discernment of the world and environment around us can reveal Kairos moments. These moments are an invitation to act. It may be to take an initiative in care. As a community of people it may be a moment to express compassion and welcome in an action. We attended such an expression of welcome in a community meal, ingredients supplied by local businesses that otherwise would be waste, grants to fit out a commercial kitchen and volunteers doing the cooking.
More broadly it maybe a moment when we as churches together speak out and prophetically name that which must not be ignored and accept the risk of not being agreed with. It could also be affirming an action or decision taken in relation to something we are committed to.
What matters most is that we take the Kairos opportunities and act! As Paul says in Ephesians, ‘making the most of the Kairos’.
Rev John Gilmore
NCCA President