Remember in March when we were asked to shelter-in-place and we thought: “This might be for a couple of weeks…” Months have passed since that time. Predictions are that there will be times of more loss and suffering ahead.…We may be making this verse of Psalm 13 our own: “How long, O Lord?”
Waiting can be extremely difficult for many reasons. It implies not being the one in charge. Yet waiting is part of our human condition. We wait for babies to be born. We wait for friendships to develop. We wait for children to grow up. We wait for a vaccine. We wait for Jesus to come again when there will be no more tears.
What these have in common is that the event has begun: a baby has been conceived; there has been an encounter with someone who may become a friend; children are changing clothing and shoe sizes quickly; trials of vaccines are happening at a pace never seen before; and Jesus remains among us day and night.
Waiting, then, can be filled with hope because we have glimpses of what is yet to come and we have come this far by faith. Racism and its struggles may take another generation to lead to genuine human solidarity, but more voices are being raised throughout the globe. Rep. John Lewis’ final letter proclaims: “You filled me with hope about the next chapter of our great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society.” Let us wait and see how the 12-year-old Tybre Faw grows to take up the banner of his hero, Rep. Lewis, continuing to work for the dignity of all people.
Waiting is radically different than just sitting there…. It is each of us hearing God’s response to our plea of “How long, O Lord?” God replies: “As soon as we work together to transform this world into the Reign of God.” Hope ensures that “All will be well.” Glimpses are already here.
