Homily: 3rd Sunday in Advent YR A
“Be Patient with One Another”
Dec. 12, 2004
by Fr. William Holtzinger

The countdown goes on. Only 12 days until Christmas. Someday, someone will capitalize on writing a song called the “12 Days Before Christmas” instead of the “12 Days of Christmas.” But, 12 days before Christmas and what do we see? For me, I recently experienced a minor melt down.

Poor Lani, our Pastoral Associate! This past week, so much stress had come my way that I simply couldn’t receive another bit of news or criticism or even love. So, at one point when she approached me to find out how things were going, I simply wouldn’t talk to her. She asked what was wrong, I responded, “I’d rather not say anything lest I regret a word I’d say.” Basically, I was having my own little pity party. The details and reasons for my frustration are my own issue, and I’ve since worked through most of them. But, it was a stark reminder of the stress that this time of year can bring to each of us.

At this time of the year, the world and it’s marketing tactics are turned up to a feverish pitch. It can make us anxious and ill tempered. Thank God, the Church offers us this special Sunday when we pay special attention to the joy, prayer, and thanksgiving we should all possess in our hearts. The Church even invites us to light our Advent wreath with a special candle colored pink. Guadate Sunday is what this weekend has been traditionally called. Gaudate is Latin for “rejoice.” Yet, are we really in the mood to rejoice? Or would we rather ring the neck of the person who has just cut us off in traffic? Are we ready to punch the sales person or customer who expresses an attitude worthy of Scrooge?

In the reading from James, we are encouraged to be patient and make our hearts firm. Further, we are told not to complain about one another that we may not be judged. In the Gospel, Jesus is encouraging us by making known to the world that he is THE ONE who is to come. He is telling us that he is the Messiah who was prophesied in the 1st reading we heard from Isaiah. So, the message is like medicine for us to hear. Do not fear or give in to temptation. Do not let the world’s desire to get things done at record pace set the pace for your heart. Instead, be strong and don’t let your hands become feeble or your knees become weak. Our Lord is our strength, especially at this time.

Many people may even try to pray more during this season and then get upset that they are either distracted in their prayers or simply forget to do them. Prayer, my friends is a way of life, not just a period of time set aside to talk at God. Yet, it is important to spend that kind of quiet time with our Lord. So, let me offer today a moment to simply rest and listen. God’s life, the life in the Spirit is one of peace and faith. So let us offer the next several minutes quieting ourselves. In order to help, I’m going to put on some relaxing music that is intended to help you go inside and reclaim the space meant for the gift of God’s presence, a present more valuable than any under a tree or in a stocking hung with care. Try to let go of all the distractions of your commitments and stresses. Be patient with each other. Be patient with yourselves. Let go and let in God.