For better or for worse, I’ve never been one to rush. I guess it’s not in my nature. I’m not sure why. Generally, as most know, I’m almost never early for anything. I prefer at least “to try” to be on time. My own father used to say, “You’ll be late for your own funeral.” I’m rather certain that I will be. Sorry, Dad! I remember going to a party. My father, Teddy (my “adopted” mom), and I would attend. I was the one “dragging my feet” and running late. Teddy, however, was apparently in no hurry either. My father grew increasingly antsy to the point that he was “beside himself.” I got the blame. We left the house late for the surprise party. My father muttered the whole time. We would ruin the birthday surprise for my cousin. He stammered as he insisted that I walk through the door of the legion hall first, since I was the reason that we were late. “Dragging my feet” once again and futzing, he finally went in first with a huff. The shock was a bit overwhelming for him. Family and friends, including my cousin, were all already there. They were all looking at my father as they screamed, “Surprise!” He was confused momentarily; then moved to joyful tears. The party was for him on his retirement. He was indeed surprised. The rush was over. Actually, there was no reason to rush at all. He later apologized to us for what he had said and how he had acted. It was truly a surprise slowly had. It is already the Second Sunday of Advent. Christmas will soon be here and there is a rush to complete all the “necessary” tasks of shopping, wrapping, baking, caroling, decorating, etc. There simply doesn’t seem to be enough time to finish everything before that O Most Holy Night. It can all be so overwhelming. Ours is a world always in a rush. Route 422 gives evidence of that. Jesus, Himself, it would seem was never in a rush. He was never hurried. If anything, there was comment made because He was late. Lord, if only You would have been here, my brother would not have died. For One Who is Lord of all time, there is never any need to rush. In fact, for such a One, there is no such thing. Despite death, Lazarus would be gifted with Life. This is the Christmas gift that Jesus is preparing for each one of us, but such a gift, it would seem, takes a bit of good old earthly time. It began nine months ago with a Child conceived in a womb. It continues as a woman will give birth on a rather Silent Night. Next will follow three years of teaching and preaching – an “illumination” one might say. Finally, it will culminate after three days of unbearable agony. It is then that all supposed “rushing” will be over. In the end, it is you and I that will walk through the door as the Lord, Himself, shouts, “Surprise!” In the meantime, slow down and enjoy this Advent moment!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson