The Church has borrowed from the world of business the practice of developing five year plans, setting strategic goals, laying out long term priorities. While this is all to the good we should never forget the “present tense” reality that underlies the Bible. Jesus says, “Stay awake,” “Be alert,” “Watch.” Not what is happening at some future date but what is right in front of us should focus our attention. On judgment day, God does not ask how close we were to reaching our goals. Rather, God will ask were you kind and generous and forgiving and merciful to the people right in front of you this day. We need to be attentive to the divine presence in the daily events of life.
