Patience is a Virtue

Third Sunday of Advent

14 December 2025

 

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

My late father-in-law Felix was a farmer. In my first visit to him in Romblon, he showed me vast rice fields that he was looking after. I was amazed and had the impression that he must have been diligent and patient looking after his rice fields. Reading Saint James’ Letter, reminded me quite well of him: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…until it receives the early and the late rains” (Jm 5:7).

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist seemed getting impatient while in prison. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the long-awaited Messiah. Instead of simply saying yes, Jesus gave some signs "the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Mt 11:5).

We can sometimes be like John. We could have been discerning for a vocation in life, praying for an urgent need, or are having second thoughts if this person is the right individual we would like to be our companion for life. We could have been eager to get results quickly. Perhaps, we could have been searching for God amidst the chaos in this world. Whatever (or whoever) causes us to be impatient, Jesus reminds us gently of the signs of His coming. Be still.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You came to save us. Grant us the grace to be patient and work together so that all people may experience the salvation You bring. Filled with Your Spirit, help us to bring sight to those blinded by wealth, power, and ambition; to enable those who have been lamed by falsehood to walk again in Your truth; to cleanse those whose minds and hearts have been rendered impure by vice; to regain hearing to those who have become deaf to the cries of the oppressed; to raise those who have become dead to sin; and to proclaim Your Good News to the poor. Amen.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.