In the city of Chicago...
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In the city of Chicago is a fountain surrounded by carvings in stone which are called "The March of Time." Through these carvings the world-famous sculptor Rodin depicts outstanding events which have followed one another in rapid succession in the history of humankind. Here, several high points of history, including what seemed in their day to be events consuming long years of time, are compressed together in the succession of carvings. One gains the historical viewpoint that time marches on relentlessly. That means that opportunities of yesterday are gone today, silently disappearing in the ticking off of minutes on the clock. Carpe diem is the familiar Latin phrase that warns us to take advantage of opportunities offered us each day, for opportunity knocks only once and then it disappears. Therefore "seize the day"; take advantage of its opportunities. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, is giving an important warning. Salvation through Christ is the greatest gift we will ever be offered in this life. But that offer does not last interminably. We must lay hold of it when our chance to do so is at hand. We dare not put off our acceptance of this momentous offer of divine grace, for "now is the acceptable time ... the day of salvation." Paul's warning is like the D.E.W. line, a system of radar stations erected to give early warning to American cities in case of attack from unfriendly forces. How foolish it would be to disregard their warning. Are we bright enough to heed the warning of Saint Paul? -- Lentz
