Patience in the Face of Disappointment

12-11-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice because the coming of the Lord is very close at hand. That is why the color of the vestment is Rose instead of purple. This theme of rejoice comes out clearly in the first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah where he says, “the desert and the parched land will exult, the steppe will rejoice and bloom, they will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song”. He goes further to prophecy, “say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not, here is your God, He comes with vindication, with divine recompense He comes to save you”.

These words of Isaiah fill us with hope especially when we face certain challenges in our lives. He tells you and me, be strong and fear not, for here comes your God. Our Lord came to save us, He calls us to be strong and firm because His coming will bring us peace and joy. His coming will bring a transformation to our situation.

In the gospel we see that John the Baptist from prison, sends out messengers to go and ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another”? The question and tone with which it was addressed give us an impression of disappointment and anger. He felt disappointed because Jesus did not fit into his mind set what he had expected. Jesus’ gentle attitude and approach to sinners and His acts of mercy does not fit into his mind set as the one he was expecting. If we recall we heard him last week preaching with fire and brimstone as he confronts the Sadducees and Pharisees and called them a brood of vipers. But Jesus comes preaching mercy and love. So he wanted to be sure that it was the one whom we are expecting.

At times in our own life, we can be disappointed with other people; we can be disappointed with our spouses or our own children or grandchildren, with even ourselves. The reason why we feel the disappointment is because we had expected much from them and they seem to betray our expectation. Then that is why the message of James in today’s second reading becomes very important to us. James tells us today, be patient brothers and sisters. He says we should be patient as the farmer is patient waiting for what was sown to grow. He says be patient and avoid much complaint. When we feel disappointed even with ourselves, we need to be patient with ourselves and be focused on the Lord.

Father Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

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