The words of Jesus are always spoken to an individual.  We’re told that they are not written on stone, but on the human heart.  But remember, there is no such thing as an abstract or general heart; hearts have their only reality in living women and men.  Obedience to the word of Jesus presupposes hearing the words of Jesus spoken uniquely to oneself. 

But the words of Jesus are very softly spoken, and obedience to them presupposes attentiveness on our part.  That attentiveness is fundamental to everything else: it is a pearl of great price.  It must be sheltered from the world, and cherished.

It’s not difficult to shelter yourself from many of the world’s hindrances to your attention: by turning off the phone or television, by seeking solitude, and so on.  But there is one such hindrance that is more powerful than the others, because, although not itself real, it has been incorporated into our relationship with reality – has taken possession of us, to use the Bible’s own figure.

I’m referring to the clock, or, more accurately, to the spirit of the clock.