3rd Week of Advent - Patience

The second reading this Sunday urges patience as we await the coming of the Lord (James 5:7-10). In the context of the letter, that is certainly about waiting for Jesus return at the end of time. In the context of the third week of Advent, it’s also about nurturing patience as we prepare for the Lord’s Nativity.

I’d suggest that means continuing to set aside some time for prayer during the flurry of mid-December activity to practice patience. Sometimes it’s difficult to wait quietly in prayer. We want something dramatic to happen. We want to see the clear effects of our prayer. We get impatient for answers.

The suggestions from the last two weeks still hold. Carve out some dedicated time and try to minimize distractions, including your phone.

• This week, ask God for the grace of patience.
• You might spend some time siting with the image from James of the farmer waiting for the “precious fruit of the earth.” What’s it like to consider God as the farmer patiently waiting your own growth?
• You might spend some time in God’s presence trying to be in touch with your own longing or desire for Jesus. That’s a very appropriate Advent prayer.

The encouragement to patience this week is a good reminder that we’re not in control of what happens in prayer. That’s always God’s work. We keep showing up, trying to be open and attentive to the gift that God gives and the ways that God works.

Give yourself the gift of time and quiet in these busy Advent days and let God prepare you for the coming of the Lord.

Advent blessings!

Fr. Ben