Fourth Sunday of Advent
Mt 1:18-24
December 18, 2022

THIS IS HOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST CAME ABOUT.

A young woman was specially prepared by God and the righteous man to whom she was betrothed received specific instructions from an angel concerning what was needed from each of them. Both accepted the invitation to participate in a unique and unrepeatable joint venture between heaven and earth.

Besides the unshakable faith that steeled Mary and Joseph as they undertook their respective parts in this drama, they also showed remarkable patience.

Patience is a virtue that the Holy Spirit is eager to instill in each and every person who asks. This “fruit of the Spirit” is often mentioned by the New Testament authors. In certain instances, the Greek word employed communicates the image of “remaining under” as in enduring a burden (carrying a cross). The other Greek word for the virtue of patience illustrates the ability to control one’s emotions…one’s temper. This word is used to describe the strength it takes to endure a hardship without a major meltdown…showing unusual self-restraint or self-control.

Without patience, when a person is faced with a daunting challenge, they will try hard to escape it, complaining throughout the ordeal, maybe over-reacting…losing control.

A lack of patience is weakness. Patience, on the other hand, is power…power to endure without falling victim to negative emotions such as self-pity, despair and hopelessness, anger, or the desire for revenge. A patient person would never play the “victim card.”

Obviously, it is less difficult to be patient with someone you love, so there is a clear connection between love and patience. Remember how patient our Creator is with us. God IS love and God IS patience. It follows that when we shoulder our crosses without resistance, or when we show control over our emotions…even in very stress-filled times, we are an image of God.

Back to: HOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST CAME ABOUT.

Mary and Joseph, out of love for God, accepted the task that God laid on each of them. In order to be successful in their respective roles in salvation history, they needed to be patient…with God…with one another…and even with themselves.

Now, it is our responsibility to continue what they began. It is on each generation to ensure that The Eternal Word continues to take flesh…by patiently living the Gospel. And while no other human being has been graced as fully and completely as The Blessed Mother, The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower us by continually replenishing within us the fruit we can use…PATIENCE!

Let us pray: Blessed Mary, Mother of Consolation, pray with me for the virtue of patience. There are so many times when my lack of patience keeps me from becoming the kind of person God wants me to be. Guide my thoughts to you and the example we have in your own life and in that of St. Joseph, your faithful and loving spouse. Help me to become patient as you both were patient. Amen!

PATIENCE…THIS IS HOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST CAME ABOUT!