On this third Sunday of Advent, let us reflect on two words from the second reading, a part of the Letter of St. James. Our world, our country, our personal lives have become the victims of one particular fault or failure that reaches into every way of life. Listen to or read carefully and slowly the two words that initiate the 7th verse of the 5th chapter of the letter: Hear them as you say them out loud to yourself: BE PATIENT!
The ever-increasing presence of impatience has been and will continue to be a cause of harm to ourselves, our sisters and brothers in our families, in our communities and our nations. Before pointing to moments of impatience we might overlook that bring damage into our existence, let me offer one particular reality we live with that I believe has become a major drain on my patience reserve. First, however, what do you believe to be one of the major reasons or causes for an impatience that has changed the lives of hundred of millions of people around the world? This is my answer: it is one of the most rewarding inventions of the 20th century! Let's hear a drumroll and draw back the curtains on the answer: it is the COMPUTER! Yes, the magnificent key that unlocks so much information, learning and entertainment for the entire world.
In addition to addictive behavior this treasure has created in so many lives a new way of learning and discovery -- all done within nanoseconds (speedier speed!). But catch this consequence: did you ever notice your own impatience when your computer fails to respond within the blink of an eye? Have you looked at yourself in a mirror when your computer system is down? It become more evident each day that this "wunder ding" has nurtured an impatience in me that I carry over into other parts of my life.
So, let's consider the way so many of us have been impacted by the computer's speed. First: complaining about other people! People do not respond with computer speed. Our minds are not that quick. Therefore, is it a surprise that we find fault in others when they do not react as quickly as we "demand" of them? Is not "road rage" another consequence of a lack of patience. Second: not during hardships well is another example of our lack of patience today. This is particularly true for younger people who have not been taught or who have lost the virtue of patience when what is wanted cannot be had as quickly as is expected or demanded! Another hardship would be the enduring of sickness and the time a body requires to rebuild its powers. Another hardship is dealing patiently with financial hardship that occur through no fault of our own.
At this point there may well be this question: "Am I supposed to sit back and wait, wait, wait?" Not so, says St. James. "Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." If you can, read again the words of the Isaiah in the first reading. There the message is this: there will be a reward for those who wait with patience.
This is our challenge today ... especially in the weeks of waiting to celebrate the day Jesus was born: to prohibit speed from become the engine that drives us day after day. Rely on the Lord, your God. Learn to be patient and you will be set from from whatever it is that captivates you and your freedom!
