We are now in the season of Advent and we thus prepare for Christ’s coming as Word made Flesh at the Nativity, His second coming at the end of time, and His coming among us in the gift which is the Most Holy Eucharist. Throughout the liturgical year it is so easy to loose sight of where we are headed and to move onto something else. We cannot allow the season of Advent to rush by and leave us unchanged. We instead need to remain “patient” and allow the Lord to always be found at work within us.
Therefore, this evening I move onto “patience” which is the 5th of the 7 virtues which I have been covering for the last few months. Patience finds its opposite in the vice of anger. As mentioned by Christ: “In your patience you shall possess you souls.” Concerning this virtue Saint Josemaria Escriva reminds: “From the hidden life of Jesus you must draw this further consequence: not to be in a hurry... even when you are!”
As a generation we always seem to be in a hurry. Do to our rush we never allow ourself to slow down and reflect. Patience forces us to look inworldy upon ourself and to let the work of the Lord to be made manifest within us. As Saint Josemaria Escriva would remind: “There is a remedy for those anxieties of yours. Be patient, have rectitude of intention and look at things from a supernatural perspective.”
If we are to look at things from a supernatural perspective we must calm our heart and turn our attention towards God. Therefore, being to pray in order that you may obtain this virtue. We should allow ourself to dwell with the life of Christ especially to mediate upon His Passion. Through these opportunities we turn towards God and allow the actions of our life to become reflective of His especially in those difficult moments with require the virtue of patience from us.
It should be no secret that there are those who are difficult for us to get along with. Maybe you even find yourself dwelling in anger concerning them or simply lash out at them whenever they irk us. Concerning our interaction with these individuals Saint Josemaria Escriva remarks: “Never correct anyone while you are still indignant about a fault committed. Wait until the next day, or even longer. And then, calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You will gain more by one friendly word than by a three-hour quarrel. Control your temper.”
Therefore, let us grow in patience by being found humble of heart. We must remember that none of us are perfect and therefore we even irk others with our imperfections. Likewise, we should practice going against our anger. This means when we are tempted to lash out in a spirit of unkindness, impatience, or simply being mean to another let us learn to stop and do the opposite of our intent. In this manner, we grow in our charity and humility towards them and teach ourself to grow patient.
As we now come closer to the season of Christmas let us remain patient and be prepared to rejoice at the Good News of the birth of the Savior of the World. It is through our encounter with Him that every heart will find it’s rest.
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