Patience is a virtue
How many times have we heard, "Patience is a virtue"? If you want to become more patient, watch out! God will give you all kinds of chances to become more virtuous by throwing you into exasperating circumstances. Definitely trial by fire! . You
might find yourself waiting for news that never seems to come. Maybe you'll be stuck in a job or other situation you can't seem to get out of. Or in the company of someone who drives you crazy! Tough but effective ways to grow in virtue. All because God loves you.
Patience is a fruit
Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul writes, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22). Joseph was living a Spirit-filled life, which enabled him to wait on God, with a joyful heart. He would have been familiar with the Psalmist saying, "Be still before the Lord; wait for him. Do not be provoked by the prosperous, nor by malicious schemers" (Psalm 37:7). Joseph knew that God takes the initiative, and we respond. For him, waiting was part of God's plan. He was willing to wait because he had faith in God.
Patience is hard
Tom Petty called waiting "the hardest part." St. Paul exhorts us to be "patient in suffering" because he knows that God is at work. When we learn to be patient and wait on God, we are open to new possibilities, even when it's hard. Like now, during COVID. God is doing something new even as we are seeing our old life fade away.
It's hard, I get it. But we have the peace of knowing that God's plan is bigger than any
situation. We can wait on Him.
This reflection was written by Mary Hallman, Director of Evangelization
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