The 3rd Sunday of Advent | Sunday 11 December 2022

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Today is Sunday the 11th of December, in the second week of Advent.

The monks of Keur Moussa sing: ‘Lord Jesus, we await your coming in faith, more sure of seeing your day than a watchman awaiting the dawn.’

Today’s reading is from the letter of James.

James 5:7-10

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

From this week’s reading of the Annunciation right through all the Scripture readings that lead towards the mystery of the Incarnation, we have a sense of God’s amazing patience. God waits across the centuries of human history for the right moment to enter our world. Take time now to let that sense of God’s patience with you personally enter into your heart.

Today’s reading speaks of a farmer’s patience, but also of God as judge and of the suffering of the prophets. How do these three images make you feel? We are told elsewhere that God judges with fairness and with mercy but also with truth. Where do you find yourself in the face of this?

As we hear this reading repeated, notice what words or images stay with you. Can you let them sink deeper into your heart? How do you feel like responding?

Like all the Advent readings, there is invitation and promise here, but also a challenge to respond. What do you find yourself wanting to say to the God who speaks to you through the words of Scripture?

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus