Is it just me, or do people seem a lot more irritable lately?
I have witnessed situations where people react with a disproportionate amount of anger and frustration. We are seeing more road-rage, mask rage, and proximity rage. It seems that the coronavirus is also taking its toll on our civility and charity.
What we all need is more patience and respect for one another.
Many Christian churches are now beginning the Season of Advent. This four-week period prior to Christmas is all about patiently waiting. In the short term we wait to commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In the long term we wait in anticipation of the second coming of Christ when he will judge both the living and the dead.
This is the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and all things will be transformed.
Nobody knows when Jesus will come again and he reminds us of this fact in the Gospel of Mark. He states: “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.” (Mark 21:8-11)
Today we are inundated with many negative things. We are saturated with so much information and personal/professional opinions that sometimes we do not know what or who to believe. This creates stress in our lives; and we may lose our patience.
What can we do?
From a spiritual perspective the best way to be patient is to try to maintain our inner peace. This can only happen if we make an effort to avoid those things that can disturb us.
If we only focus on the ‘bad news’ and all the problems of the world, we can easily fall prey to those false prophets who try and tell us these are all signs the ‘end is near.’ We will find ourselves in darkness rather than in the light that offers hope.
John the Baptist is associated with Advent. In the Gospel of John we read, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.” (John 1:6-8)
Advent is not only about waiting, it is also about light. The traditional four candles of the Advent wreath are a reminder of that important fact. We need to focus more on the light rather than on the darkness. Like John, we have to “testify to the light.”
Christians believe Jesus is ‘the light of the world.’ If we draw closer to him, especially during difficult times, then he will offer us peace. With this peace we will have greater patience and we will see less anger and rage in our world.
Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring, the same loving God who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. (St. Francis de Sales)