The Advent season has begun! Martin Ngo, SJ, reflects on the fact that we aren’t so good at waiting, but God can use this time to shake us back to our senses and change our hearts. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 29, 2020.
But mommy, I want it now!!!
Hi, I’m Marteen, and this is my One-Minute Homily.
And just like that, we’re back in Advent, the season of hopeful waiting. Why is waiting so difficult? If pandemic lockdown has taught us anything obvious, it’s that we’re not very good at it. We know this. Living in a culture that glorifies instant gratification doesn’t really foster the watchfulness that this season is about. On top of this, let’s face it, 2020 has been the never-ending year. If anything, it has shown us how very broken, vulnerable, and stubborn we are.
For our religious ancestors, the Israelites, hardness of heart was the worse sin. Why? Because when I decide that I am set in my ways, no change can happen. That’s not a living faith. Isaiah’s words today strike with prophetic force – I mean, he is a prophet – begging God to shake us back into our senses. Lord, don’t just take away COVID, and the many injustices of race, gender, poverty, and so on; conform our hearts to yours. Let us see your face. Teach us the lifelong grace of waiting for you this season.
