Having had the privilege of working with Oblates and parishioners in North Carolina, I was often struck by the way some things were expressed with “Southern graciousness.” For example, if someone were delayed, folks would often say “I’m waiting on …”. That simple preposition “on” instead of “for”- struck me. Though not always the case, waiting “for” can sometimes imply “they should be here by now” with a subtle sense of impatience while waiting “on” seems to imply “but they’ll be here soon!”
While language can vary from place to place, the English version used by the Church implies not impatience but “waiting for the Lord” in joyful “Anticipation.” Most of us have had some experience of that joy: waiting for the return of a loved one or the joyful anticipation of the birth of a child. Joy cannot be feigned or assumed. It is profound and personal. In its purest form, Advent invites us to embrace the joy that comes to us with the realization of that for which the heart longs… GOD AMONG US… JESUS! Our seasonal hymns such as “Joy to the World”… “Gesu Joy of Man’s Desires”… and “Joyful, Joyful We adore Thee!”
In our Salesian tradition, that gift of joy is offered not only during Advent but also every day. It was that realization that caused Francis de Sales to describe the Incarnation as “God’s kiss to creation.” His recommendation of the practice of the Present Moment is simply the intention at any moment to be present to the Lord as God is always present to us. With that realization, we may experience inexplicable peace… Joy in the company of the Lord. What more can we say but Live Jesus!
All of this is to remind us that HE IS WITH US, especially in the Eucharist and in the presence of the person before me. It’s no wonder this season expresses that sentiment in so many ways. So, whether we’re waiting “for” or “on” the Lord, the ultimate goal is a thankful heart that again and again exclaims, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Fr. Vince Smith, OSFS
School Minister
Father Judge High School
