What do you think about the Virtue of patience? In Galations 5: 22-23, Paul tells us about how Patience is a virtue that we need to follow, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Patience becomes a virtue for us not only because we need to wait out a long situation without complaining, but because it is necessary to wait through discomfort, to push through the situation despite any uneasy feelings that may come over you. In order to see a clear example of patience, we need to look to Jesus, and his interaction with the disciples. So often, they would question him, asking for signs and even to see God the Father. They wanted to know at that very moment. However, Jesus would keep calm, and advise them to listen to him, to follow his teachings and to be patient. I know for myself, I like to know, to keep asking questions and push through each moment, hoping things will work out in the best possible outcome. So much of the time though, God's plan for us at that very moment, is to be patient and let things work out according to His plan. Do you practise patience?
Today's Gospel states:'"A little while, and you will see me no more; again a little while, and you will see me." Some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, `A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, `because I go to the Father'?" They said, "What does he mean by `a little while'? We do not know what he means." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him; so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, `A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy' (John 16:16-20).
In today's Gospel, we hear about how in a little while, the people will not see Jesus. The disciples didn't understand that he meant he was going to take up the cross, die, rise from the grave and ascend to the right hand of the Father. They didn't understand this act of love, and that they would grieve Jesus, only to face joy and happiness in his resurrection. They wanted to know every outcome, what would happen, when it would happen, and to hurry the process of this time where Jesus would be 'gone'. They didn't have patience and faith through the trials Jesus had to face. Most of the time, we see patience to be a practical virtue, though it can be one of the most challenging, especially when it comes to God's plan for us. Take some time to think about areas where you may need to be more patient in your life, and ask God to help you work through every moment with patience like Jesus showed.
Today's prayer comes from 'Christians TT' a prayer for practicing patience:
Lord, we ask You to grant us the virtue of patience. We pray that it may mellow us, not harden or embitter us, that it may make us not irritable. That it may make us broad in our forgiveness, and never narrow, proud or overbearing.
May no one be less good for having come within our influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble, for having been a fellow believer with us, in our journey towards an eternal life with You Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!
