In the Gospel passage for this week, Jesus is told that Lazarus is ill. Instead of going straight to him, Jesus waits for two days before travelling (John 11:6). It would have taken a strong nerve to do as Jesus did. We all need to be needed and like to be liked and so the temptation would be to rush straight down and to see what we could do to help. There two different words used in the Bible, both of which are translated as 'time', which make it easier to understand why Jesus acted as he did. 'Chronos' is the measurable passage of time reckoned in a linear fashion: minutes, hours, days, weeks etc. 'Kairos' is the opportune moment in the day when something needs to be done, or, a decision needs to be taken. When we feel busy, it the 'chronos-time' that is being squeezed, and the 'kairos-moments' that need nurturing. Jesus knew that he would be best able to help once the first panic of grief had passed. For us to recognise the right moment to act or to know the best thing to say can be an opportunity for growth transformation or joy, both for ourselves and for others. We wouldn't want to miss those kairos-moments because we are too stressed!!.

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