4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
WAIT WITH ANTICIPATION
It was wonderful to hear
from my sister that the entire week before my lunch date with my
niece and nephew, the two kids couldn’t sleep at night. They kept
asking their mother if Saturday was near. They were heard saying to
each other: how I wish it were already Saturday. Undoubtedly, there
are two people on earth who were very excited to meet up with me!
This week is the last in
our preparation for the day and season of Christmas. Sometimes when
what we are waiting for is so near, already in sight, and within
reach, then it is more difficult to wait. It becomes harder to
concentrate. We find our excitement and joy uncontainable.
This week let us reflect
on the 4th way of waiting: WAITING WITH ANTICIPATION.
To wait with anticipation
is to wait with confidence and certainty. We know that what we hope
for will finally arrive. Elizabeth was sure she was on the throes of
motherhood at last. Mary was busily preparing her home, her heart,
her life, for this gift the angel foretold. Joseph had his life-plans
re-aligned according to this new development. People in the know
about the coming of the Savior were full of certainty that God is
indeed doing something great.
To wait with anticipation
is to wait with faith in one’s heart. It is one thing to wait in
despair, in frustration and anger. Many people are like that because
they have thrown away all hope in God’s power to change them, to
touch their lives, and to deliver them from their woes. But look at
the gospel personages. They too met insurmountable difficulties. Mary
was pregnant without a dad for her child. Joseph believed he was
betrayed. But Mary said yes, even though she did not understand. She
only knew all this was from God. Joseph stopped doubting and took on
the role the Lord placed on his shoulders. This was not easy. But
this is what faith meant for them.
This is what faith means
for us too. When you find yourself waiting in fear – for what the
doctor will say, what the neighbors are talking about, what the
outcome of your interview or exam will be – say a Hail Mary and
take heart from Mary’s faith. When you find yourself waiting in
despair – for a seemingly impossible dream, a long unanswered
prayer, a hopeless situation – say a Hail Mary and draw confidence
in the message of the angel to Mary… and to you. Gabriel said:
Nothing is impossible to God.
Wait with confidence and
certainty. Wait with faith in your heart.
