The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luke 2:27-32

Ever the perfect mother, Mary waited her forty days for ritual purification and then ransomed her son in accordance with Mosaic law at the Temple in Jerusalem. And when the Holy Family arrived, they found not one, but two ancient holy people waiting for their infant son.

I’m so impatient. Sometimes, I’m like, “Look, Lord…I’ve changed. I mean, hey, I don’t have to tell you that, though. Miright? Anyhow, I’ve changed. But I’m still waiting. Give me my mission. Oh, yeah, I know there’s that same old mission, but I want my mission. The one that means I’m special. I’ll wait. But I really think I’ve been waiting patiently for a long time now.”

Of course I never come right out and say that to God. But if I’m being honest, that’s how I feel sometimes. And I’m willing to bet many of you feel that way, sometimes, too.

Simeon and Anna, though, waited decades (some traditions hold that they waited centuries) for the coming of their Lord. And I’m upset about waiting a few months.

Yo, Ben…cool your jets.

Be sure to comment below and help others with your experience regarding waiting patiently for God.

Holy Infinite One, grant us the grace to wait patiently for whatever you have in store for our lives. Imbue us with the wisdom to understand what it is you want us to do, and the courage to do it well. Your way is the only way. We pray these things in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.