Patience

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, September 11th, 2022
​Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Timothy
1.12-17

Beloved, I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence.

But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the foremost.

But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life.

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus,
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I am so impatient. 
I rush so often.
I am quick to take offense.
My tongue sharp, my words fierce;
I judge myself, my neighbour, my brother.
I become my own god.
Problems must be fixed.
I make no room for error.
I avoid discomfort.
I act in unknowing ignorance.

But You, Jesus –  

Your patience is perfect.
You take what time is necessary.
You are gracious and full of compassion
and do not deal with me according to my sins.
I am not a problem to solve, but a child to be loved.
You forgive mistakes.
You are present in places of discomfort,
for as long as needed,
until I am ready to see myself,
to see others,
as we are;
to see reality
as it really is.

Then, and only then – is my heart ready – 
free to be the fruit of Your perfect patience,
that beautiful and quiet herald of mercy,
that saves the sinner, of whom I am the foremost.

But for our redemption,
and Your glory alone,
in humility I petition You:
May my failures attest to Your love.
It is Your goodness, 
in the face of weakness,
that draws us to Your overflowing mercy
and the grace borne of Your patience.

Thank you, Jesus,
for being patient unlike any other.
As I clumsily receive and offer Your patience,
teach me, Lord, to accept, and to give, this grace.

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Michelynne Gomez

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