In the Presence: Heroic Patience
Are we there yet? Christmas is around the corner, and many are making preparations - for the festive gatherings, Christmas shopping and gift giving in this season. Yet, it is easy to overlook the preparation of our own hearts to receive the greatest gift of our Lord in the incarnation. In this final week of Advent, we look to Mary, our Blessed Mother, in the third joyful mystery - the birth of our Lord Jesus. She teaches us what it means to await the nativity of our Lord; in the waiting, we discover her virtue of heroic patience.
The virtue of heroic patience involves enduring and suffering with. In Luke 2:4-7, we witness how Mary endures the arduous journey to Bethlehem even as the birth of Jesus was imminent. Mary’s journey to Bethlehem was probably rough; late in her pregnancy she endured travelling with little comfort. Despite the difficulties and uncertainty, Mary did not once complain, but quietly pressed on, knowing that she was about to meet her Saviour. Mary teaches us what it means to embrace adversity and uncertainty with steadfast faith, knowing that God is in control. Even when there was ‘no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7), Mary trusted in God’s timing and plan. She lays down her expectations before God, as she lays down the infant Jesus in the humble manger. The way she embraces the circumstances reveals a patience that is rooted in deep faith, allowing God’s plan to unravel by bringing Jesus into the world with humility and love.
Mary also teaches us another dimension of heroic patience in the way she pondered and waited on the Lord. Scripture tells us that Mary treasured all the words that were said about her child Jesus as ‘Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord’ (Luke 2:11,19). Mary’s pondering heart allows her to be grounded in God’s truth as she patiently waited for His Word to be fulfilled. Reflecting on my own life, I was reminded of the times I wrestled with God over the difficult situations He placed me in. Feeling stuck in my circumstances, I questioned God incessantly as I sought answers. In every prayer time that I was met with silence, I grew frustrated and impatient. Yet, as I look to the example of Mary, she teaches me that faith is not always about making sense of everything, but trusting that God knows what He is doing. This Advent, I am called to be more like Mary, to grow in heroic patience by recentering my focus on God and to allow Him to be in control.
Just like Mary, we are called to practise heroic patience in our own lives by recognising God in the waiting. We are invited to move with greater courage and willingness to trust in the Lord; to persevere and remain faithful even when circumstances prove difficult. May we wait on the Lord patiently and receive Him anew this Christmas!