Watchful in the Waiting

A Reflection on the Gospel for November 14th, 2021:
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Mark
13.24-32

Jesus spoke to his disciples about the end which is to come:

“In those days, after the time of suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

“Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the Angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

“Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the Angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
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Watching, waiting, and preparing for the Son of Man to come is a theme that resonates with me right now. I have been praying for God to reveal His will and plan in my life, specifically in my search for employment. This is my fifth month of: watching for relevant job postings, preparing applications, waiting on calls, preparing for interviews, watching time pass. It has been painful and purifying.

It takes a great supply of energy to anticipate good and hold on to hope for something, or someone, to show up when the waiting is long, and signs are sparse. My first two interviews were scheduled in the past two weeks; I pray that these are signs that the end is near — but there is no guarantee. Analyzing the unknowns and all the possible outcomes contributes to feeling anxious, frustrated, and fatigued. I have been excited about dozens of opportunities, and I can vividly imagine myself in the roles. I have felt nervous as well, because I am sure that once I find employment there will be challenges and suffering. However, greater than all these thoughts and emotions is my growing desire to know and live out what is “next” for me.

To me, the end of this time of waiting means more than having a source of income and security — I am also eager to be in life-giving relationships with others. I long for newness and rhythm in my routine. I want to participate in an experience of community and be united with others in a common purpose. Working will support me and my husband in our vocation and will help me on my personal journey of becoming. I am convinced that God has called me to work, it is just a matter of where and when. So, I continue to watch, wait, prepare, and ask for strength as I attempt to stay vigilant and not lose faith or momentum.

When I compare my wait to the Church’s waiting for the coming of Christ, mine is a minuscule fragment of a moment. Her patience and longing for Jesus’ coming has been stretched from the time of the Apostles witnessing Jesus’ ascension to present day. How much easier is it for us, as the Body of Christ, to let our attention wander and even fall asleep in our waiting? But we need to stay alert and present, to grow in charity and joy, to share in God’s Love and mission. Soon, we will enter the season of Advent, and our liturgical life will remind us that Christ was, is, and will be Emmanuel — God with us. In all our waiting, let us place our trust in Him who is, was, and is to come. Amen.




Kendra L.

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