In this homily, Father Michael explores the theme of waiting, as emphasized in the Gospel of Mark (Chapter 13, Verses 33-37), where Jesus commands to 'keep alert' and 'stay awake' because 'you do not know the hour.' He asserts that waiting is an intrinsic part of human existence, an experience that confronts us with the discomfort of not being in control. This lack of control is central to the concept of waiting; if we were in control, we wouldn’t need to wait.
Father Michael suggests that waiting is not just an inevitable aspect of life but also a challenging and potentially transformative experience. It forces us to face the absurdity and uncertainty of life, moving beyond the desire to bring closure or keep things moving. Life, he implies, is not about maintaining constant activity or control but about embracing the waiting.
He references Samuel Beckett's play 'Waiting for Godot,' an enigmatic work that symbolizes the existential nature of waiting. The play's characters, Estragon and Vladimir, engage in seemingly aimless dialogue under a tree, embodying the choice between hope and despair, and between waiting and not waiting.
Father Michael connects this concept to Christian spirituality, where waiting becomes a form of openness to life's experiences and God's will. It's not about mastery or control but about allowing life and grace to act upon us. He distinguishes between 'waiting for' and 'waiting upon,' using the example of caring for a sick loved one. 'Waiting for' implies a passive stance, whereas 'waiting upon' involves active presence and engagement.
The homily concludes with the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an epitome of 'waiting well.' Her acceptance of God's will ('Let it be according to your word') is presented as the ideal disposition in waiting, characterized by openness, presence, and a relinquishment of control. This stance, Father Michael suggests, is central to a Christ-centered spirituality.
Questions for further reflection and discussion
The Challenge of Surrendering Control: How does the act of waiting challenge our desire for control in our lives? Reflect on a personal experience where you had to wait for something significant. How did this experience shape your understanding of control, surrender, and faith?
Active vs. Passive Waiting: Father Michael distinguishes between 'waiting for' and 'waiting upon.' In what ways can we transform our periods of waiting from a passive state to an active one? How can this shift impact our spiritual and personal growth?
Embracing Uncertainty in Faith: The homily touches on embracing uncertainty as part of waiting and faith. How can embracing uncertainty strengthen our spiritual journey? Can you think of instances in religious texts or your personal life where uncertainty led to a deeper understanding or a more profound faith experience?
