There is a new expression being used by commentators on life. They speak of, “giving yourself to the moment.” I was listening to one on the radio describing how that the English cannot do that, because of their reserve. (Note that he spoke of the English and not the Celts). He argued that there was a great deal of difference in attitude when we look at the French. They give themselves to the moment. That point was further strengthened on reading a biography of an Englishwoman who went to live in France. She was amazed that on being halted on the French motorway because of a traffic jam, which they were informed would take two hours to clear, there was a completely different reaction from being in England.

Immediately car boots were opened, and blankets or portable tables were spread on the motorway. Then food and wine were taken from ice boxes, etc., and people shared food together or wandered from car to car to talk. In Britain, there would have been hooting of horns, irritation, angry and dismayed grumblings, but the French gave themselves to the moment.

Should not we, as Christians, react to the moment. If one member rejoices, then let us rejoice; if another weeps, let us weep. In our precious moments of worship, instead of reserve upon our souls, let us give ourselves to the means of grace. Let us savour and enjoy every precious moment of fellowship with the Father and the Son, and with each other. Also, taking every opportunity with each other to discover, to know and to enter into dialogue without reservation. Are we not bidden to redeem the time, and to give ourselves to the very brief moments of our existence?