1 June 2018
Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
“Depend upon it, Sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.” So said the great Dr. Samuel Johnson in reference to the execution of an Anglican clergyman. The great St. Peter said something similar. “The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers” (1 Peter 4:7). Since God is the end of all things, and since God is close to us, especially in his sacraments, we have to concentrate, be serious and sober and pray.
This viewpoint is not about stopping people from having good fun. As a matter of fact, we are explicitly warned against such a tendency elsewhere in scripture: “Do not wrangle with your neighbor… nor despise him while he is having a good time; Say no harsh words to him nor distress him by making demands” (Sir 31:31). The same scripture encourages us to relax and enjoy life: “Wine is very life to anyone, if taken in moderation. Does anyone really live who lacks the wine which from the beginning was created for joy” (Sir 31:27)?
These teachings are not contradicting each other, but inviting us to a healthy balance.