Do they have clocks in heaven?
Do they have clocks in heaven?
One of the hardest concepts to grasp is that “time” does not exist in heaven. On earth, from the moment a person is conceived until that person dies, he or she is limited by time and space. In heaven there are no such limitations. It’s hard to imagine living in heaven for eternity and never having to mention or be concerned with time.
Since our childhood there have been constant reminders about time. Our parents had to repeatedly tell us that it was time to go to bed, time to get up, time to eat, time to study, time to pray, and time to work.
Can you imagine living in eternity and never saying or hearing the word “time”? I’m looking forward to never hearing anyone tell me, “It’s time to get up!” In heaven I’ll be able to sleep as long as I want – and wake up rested.
Did you notice that I used the word “long” in the previous sentence? Since “long” refers to time, we won’t be using that word in heaven either. There will be no need to refer to how long it takes to do something.
We know that Jesus had two natures: one divine and one human. As a human who lived among us, Jesus was bound by time and space. As one of the three divine persons in the Blessed Trinity, He is not bound by time and space.
It is commonly said that Jesus came to this earth because man had sinned. The use of the phrase “had sinned” is not appropriate because it is past tense, which is possible only when time exists. Since there is no time in eternity, there is no past or future – only a continuous present.
The Blessed Trinity lives and dwells in a continuous present; therefore, our Lord died for the sins of all humanity, from the first sin until the very last sin that will be committed prior to the end of the world.
Our limited minds have no way of comprehending what it’s like to live in a continuous present where time and space do not exist. We can, however, look forward to living in a continuous present where we’ll be treated to a never-ending experience of love, fascination, and joy.
St. Paul told us: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
How is it that we are expected to love Him? By setting aside the time every day to pray, sacrifice, and perform spiritual and corporal works of mercy for others.
The earthly clock is ticking. Time is running out. We’d better get busy.
2 Comments
Dear Harry and Georgette –
Well written and well said! Beautiful thoughts! Very worth the “TIME” to ponder.
I’m still working toward the written word(s) for you. It will take more time than I thought. “Time” is taken up with lots of activities. But I’ll persevere in jottings as I go…
Love and prayers. Sister Roberta
Looking back on your articles under the category Heaven to see what you’ve written perhaps about the consciousness we will have after death and before the second coming of Christ. Not sure that I agree that we won’t have time in heaven, at least until that point, because that is a finite point in the future. Casting about for what Christ said about that time, and maybe I am wrong, but it seems to be more immediate consciousness, than a long slumber, thinking of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man and also what He said to the good thief,”This day you will be with me in paradise.”