Let me now call your attention to the apostle's words, Redeeming the time. There is no bringing back yesterday; and all time once gone is gone for ever. Redeeming the time is then improving present opportunities, and (as the words refer especially to Christians) to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Every situation of life has its opportunities and its advantages for this redemption of time; for it brings with it trials of our faith, our patience, our submission to God's will, our affection to, and preference of our Saviour and His grace in ourselves and others, above all present and passing attractions and engagements. And our redeeming the time, in the highest sense, consists in using these opportunities, and turning them to advantage in being thus wise unto salvation. Do not suppose that if you were in this or that position you could better carry out the apostle's exhortation. Every situation has its temptations, its difficulties, and its advantages, and if you have God with you, you may in it grow in grace. Meet seriously, and submissively, and prayerfully, whatever is before you; and instead of turning from the daily duty and the daily conflict, put on the armour God has provided, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. If you thus redeem the time, you will hear at last the joyful words: Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp