The world is in confusion. In the modern world we have been conditioned to think that all things are resolved quickly. Microwaves cook our food; crimes are solved in an hour on telly; we can put our favorite song on digital and have it at our fingertips. In real time, things take time. Growing in maturity, growing in love; growing veg and growing children. We too are children; still growing in the maturity of the Holy Spirit. Our children too, must mature and grow in the faith.
Pope John Paul II said:
For a stalk to grow or a flower to open there must be time that cannot be forced; nine months must go by for the birth of a human child; to write a book or compose music often years must be dedicated to patient research. To find the mystery there must be patience, interior purification, silence, waiting.
He was drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 in which we are assured
1 All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to destroy, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
6 A time to get, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. 8 A time of love, and a time of hatred. A time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What hath man more of his labour? 10 I have seen the trouble, which God hath given the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made all things good in their time, and hath delivered the world to their consideration, so that man cannot find out the work which God hath made from the beginning to the end. 12 And I have known that there was no better thing than to rejoice, and to do well in this life.
Human maturity in the Holy Spirit requires patience, interior purification, silence, waiting. Be of good cheer; pray without ceasing as St. Paul instructs us in Thessalonians 5
14 And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and towards all men.
16 Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all. 19 Extinguish not the spirit. 20 Despise not prophecies.
21 But prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves. 23 And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us be obedient to the Scripture and in all things give thanks, pray without ceasing and be patient towards all men (and women too!)
That's me away, then.
2 comments:
Nobody seems to be patient anymore. They get angry with you if you drive the speed limit or take a bit longer than they think you should in line at the store. How often I have heard people say of mine and Jack's cross stitch, that they haven't the patience for all that work. Work? We see it as needed quiet time and healing and a pleasant past time. Oh my how times have changed.
Thanks for visiting my blog and your encouraging comment. Love the Scripture passages you shared. I do need much patience as I wait upon God to fulfil His purposes in my life and make me what He wants me to be. Take care and God bless!
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