Reflection on the Advent Theme: Patience ~ by Phyllis Booth

Second Sunday of Advent

1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Our theme for Advent includes four choices to help parishioners to become ready to receive Our Lord on his Birthday. The second choice is to be Patient.

Patient is a word with several meanings. It can be 1) a person under a doctor's care; 2) someone with several attributes such as calmness, self control, a non complainer, acceptance of pain, troubles, illness or slow to anger. The word patient this week will be a reflection on the second meaning.

The state of our society brings many pressures upon our parishioners and Christians of other faiths as we try to live as God commanded us. The current economic situation has a great influence upon us as we prepare for Advent.

The homeless are being patient as they seek help from social agencies because his/her next meal or shelter depends upon his/her attitude or appearance. One who is fortunate to have a job and a car must avoid the temptation to be impatient on the road. Patience is needed to arrive safely or become the victim of causing an accident and facing the problems associated with an accident.

Think about the workers who must show self control working under stressful or unsafe conditions since companies are quick to lay off workers each day. We are blessed because each day in a foreign country, an American Soldier must be patient as he carries out his duty to save the lives of his comrades, to protect the natives and to destroy the enemy so we can enjoy freedom.

Many families are facing a bleak Christmas this year. They must make a difficult decision concerning their needs and wants. Some will not go into debt and still have an enjoyable holiday and others will follow the path of least resistance and add more debt on the family to enjoy the holiday and face more problems in 2011.

Patience is a virtue that has been practiced by our forefathers such as Abraham and Zechariah. Abraham and Zechariah believed the words of God and accepted them. They trusted God to keep the promise made to them.

In our society today, it's very difficult to know or see what virtues are practiced by Christians since our courts have allowed many sacred beliefs to be considered unconstitutional.

I feel that patience is a virtue such as faith. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. A person who is calm during a situation hopes/sees the positive result of chaos. A person who accepts the pain of illness or a family crisis believes God will change or provide relief in his own time.

If we are patient with ourselves, family members and co-workers during Advent by being more compassionate, loving and forgiving, the Birthday of Our Lord will have a greater impact on our lives.


~ Painting of St. John the Baptist by Anton Rafael Mengs found on the Theologika blog