Word for the Third Week of Advent: See how the farmer waits...

Sunday's second scripture is the Word for the week (see the top of the sidebar). Who among us does not need to be counseled to patience? Who among us does not think the Lord acts either too slowly or too quickly? Who among us is patient enough with our neighbors? with ourselves? with the Lord? While Advent prepares us for the coming of the Lord, we must be patient until he comes, doing the works that signal the reign of God already among us (see both the first scripture and today's gospel).

One does not stand in the garden or the field after planting waiting for days and weeks to see the planted seeds sprout. One goes about one's business, patiently waiting for the Lord to bring the seed to fruit. So it is with us and our lives as we wait for the Lord...