| Advent offers an opportunity for reflection on patience and perseverance. Being patient in a nanosecond world is truly counter-cultural. We are expected to respond quickly, thoughtfully, thoroughly or we may expect others to do the same. Patient waiting is a lost art, something quaint, when viewed generously.
And yet, growing in the spiritual life and our way as religious men are means of practicing the art of patient waiting – taking the long view, reflecting, discerning, praying, and then acting thoughtfully and thoroughly. Entering deeply into Advent can help us persevere in patient waiting, especially when some things done quickly will do more harm than good.
In the midst of Advent, the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day is today, provides us an insight into patient waiting. The symbolism in the image shows that Mary is pregnant, truly a time of waiting. She is also a model of perseverance, trusting in the providence of God and responding freely and fully.
When we consecrated our lives to Christ as religious men, we, too, responded freely, trusting in God. Now that we are some years into this life and serving as leaders, are we responding more fully, patiently and perseveringly living well the life we have chosen and assisting our brothers in community to do the same? Advent waiting gives us the space and place to reflect on our response and to adjust our way, with the grace of Christ, as we await the celebration of his Incarnation and patiently wait for his coming again at the end of all time.
In prayerful solidarity, |
