In the early 1970s, I had two music albums. One of them was Chicago’s debut album, which included a catchy song titled “Does anyone really know what time it is?” In those days there were mostly mechanical clocks and watches (and no cell phones), so there wasn’t the precision of knowing the time as accurately as today. Often, even among family and friends, there could be a discrepancy of five minutes or so.
It is said that the song’s author, Robert Lamm, once asked an usher at a movie theater, “What time is it?” He responded by saying, “Does anyone really know?,” which inspired the future song.
A theme of the song is that we should not forget the blessings or joys of life in the midst of our rushing from one place to another.
Years ago, I remember learning that there are two Greek words in the Bible that describe time: chronos and kairos. Chronos focuses on how much time passes, while kairos focuses on the quality and significance of the time itself. Chronos is objective and measurable, as we have a chronology, while kairos is subjective and depends on perception and context. Chronos structures our daily lives and obligations, while kairos is about recognizing and acting during opportune moments for growth or change.
Chronos time: Hours, schedules
Much of our thinking about time is done with a chronos mindset. We have 24 hours each day. I can remember the days when I had to punch the clock at the beginning and the end of a work shift. There are appointments, meetings and liturgies that have a scheduled start time. On my first day in this parish, eight years ago, a daily Mass participant asked me when the Mass would begin. I answered, “At 9 a.m.” He sarcastically said that wasn’t always the case, as the Mass often started after 9.
Our time on earth is relatively brief (Ps. 39:4-6), and as God’s stewards we should use every second to glorify Him, putting Him first in every area of our lives. Tombstones often display the dates of an individual’s birth and death, separated by a dash. That dash represents the person’s chronos time on earth. “So teach us to number our days,” as Moses prayed, “that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).
Having learned something about the distinctions between chronos and kairos, I think of individuals or even cultures that seem to favor one or the other. If you like meetings to start on time, you may be preferring chronos. If you don’t necessarily mind arriving late, perhaps you are favoring kairos. For example, I was once preparing to officiate a marriage and the bride and the bridesmaids arrived one hour and 40 minutes after the scheduled start time. I thought to myself: if they had called me and told me how late they were going to be, I could have gone to the office and worked at my desk for a while.
Kairos time: Moments of meaning
As zealous, good stewards of chronos time, we often miss obvious kairos opportunities, which are about moments rather than minutes. A moment lost is an opportunity gone forever.
Understanding the difference helps in balancing structured daily responsibilities with moments of deeper meaning and impactful action.
Effectively managing time requires recognizing the value of both chronos and kairos.
Being productive and efficient (chronos) provides the structure to meet daily responsibilities.
Being present and responsive to opportune moments (kairos) enriches experiences and leads to greater fulfillment. Experience and wisdom help us.
Kairos is a window of time that requires an intentional, purposeful response. It is a time in which life-shaping decisions are made. It is a defining moment. Wise people recognize and respond to kairos moments.
Advent is a special time in our liturgical year. For many people, it is a busy time often filled with shopping, decorating, baking and rushing around. Some parishioners have told me over the years, “Father, I don’t know how I will get it all done!” This Advent, let us balance both chronos and kairos. Amid the holiday rush, set aside some quality time for reflection, prayer, reconciliation and discernment. Let this be a time of wonder as we meditate on God’s saving plan and prepare for the Lord’s return in glory. Let us strive to know and understand the will of
God, and rejoice in the time He gives each of us.
Father Mark Lawlor is the pastor of St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.