Aspetta
How quickly would you like God to answer your prayers?
Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, 'What then will this child become?' For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. - Luke 1:65-66
In today's reading, Luke tells us of the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth and Zechariah.
When the neighbors heard how Zechariah had lost his ability to speak until he named the baby John, they were filled with fear. It was clear to them that God was involved and that meant something was going to make this boy stand out among men.
When God is involved, answers to our questions may not come quickly or easily.
The neighbors would have to wait until John grew and started his ministry. The hand of the Lord has a far reach, and with patience, we need to wait.
Who can wait that long?
I remember my grandmother reprimanding me for being impatient when she was cooking and I wanted a taste. "Aspetta," she would say. "Wait."
It was hard to wait. I would want to sneak a taste as soon as she wasn't looking, whether the meal was ready to eat or not. It just smelled and looked so good.
We could argue, as some great minds have, that waiting is good for the soul. It helps build character, transform lives, calm fears. It also reveals to us the truth of our desires and intent. Why do we demand an answer now? What is so important to us that we need to know?
If Zechariah's neighbors were afraid. They had no faith in God to show them, in His time, what path they should follow, what every changing pattern of clouds and visions were real.
To them, God's action in the world, any action, was going to be bad.
We don't think that way as much today, do we? We long for God's presence, because we have a lot that we want Him to take care of. And that leads to impatience.
So, again, we ask ourselves, what is our motive? Why are we not willing to wait?
As we come to Christmas, we are reminded that in the birth of the child, we are told we must wait. His purpose for coming into the world will not be revealed immediately. It will take time for us to hear what Jesus has to say, and even then, it will take more time to get to know Him.
I guess that is the message for us. Aspetta. Take time. Get to know God.
After all, He has been extremely patient with us, hasn't He?
Happy Waiting.
More to come...