Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11. 2 – 11
Many of us would agree that Patience is a Virtue, it is often in short supply. Why is it so difficult for us to be patient, to wait? As humans, we are wired for instant self- gratification, to seek pleasure now, quick satisfaction, from one click shopping to instant messaging, looking for the shortest Masses to attend in town. We also know that waiting for change and results can be frustrating when we are consumed by this impatient mindset.
The message of our Scripture readings today is very clear- Transformation and Change is certain, our Lord is coming without doubt. St James in the second reading tells us: “Be Patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.” He gives us a beautiful image of patience, being like a famer, planting and tending the crop. The crop grows in its own time. It cannot be hurried, what we can do is to encourage it by watering and fertilizing the soil but in the end, it grows of its own accord. We do the work we can, but then we have to wait for as long as it takes, and be ready to get to work when the time for harvest arrives. It is very much like the waiting and the enduring patience which is required of Advent.
The prophet Isaiah in the first reading exalts us to be joyful because God is coming to save us, his people. He says to us: “Courage! Do not be afraid. Look, your God is coming.” Isaiah therefore, gives us an idea of what the Lord will bring and do when he comes: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed, and those the Lord has ransomed shall return.” These images provide the background for John the Baptist question to our Lord in the gospel. “Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else? It is consoling that John the Baptist himself was impatiently waiting for the one he was preparing the people to receive. The Lord, in humility answered the question with a definitive Yes: referring to the evidence of the truth of what people see around him.
The gospel is proclaimed to the poor by way of concrete action, by giving life to others, practically assisting the poor, healing the injured, the suffering, the blind the lame. The Kingdom and all who belong to it will primarily proclaim the Kingdom by their practical actions, bringing peace, compassion, mercy and love to others.
Therefore, let us rejoice and be refreshed while mindful of the rest of the journey ahead. The church says to us today, as Nehemiah once said to his people: “Go and enjoy choice food sweet drink…this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh 8, 10).
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director