Back in September, when you may remember this reading from Matthew also showed up, we had discussed it within our virtual SCC. We discussed how we liked that Matthew prioritized action. We questioned how one might go from saying no to their conscience, God's will, but then be given the space to change and move towards saying yes in action. Ideally, to also saying yes publicly as well. It's hard in a world that's polarized in so many spheres to find the space for such profound internal change. Have we even been cognizant of all the times we've said yes, yet our actions said no; or said no, yet our actions said yes?

It's hard to get into an Advent spirit of excitedly waiting and preparing this year. It was hard even just getting into the headspace to write something, anything, for Advent. It's felt like a certain type of advent since March. Waiting for the coming of a vaccine, for the coming of a time to stop worrying so much, for the coming of gatherings and hugs. Will we ever really get back to the reality we once knew; or, what exactly is the new reality that we're waiting for?

It's exhausting to wait for something. Maybe that can be useful. Maybe that gives us greater insight into the exhaustion and concerns of the blessed family. I don't know, but perhaps at least that's a more productive lens for our wait right now.