Advent 3 (a)

Be patient, therefore, beloved,
until the coming of the Lord.
The farmer waits
for the precious crop from the earth,
being patient with it
until it receives the early and the late rains.
You also must be patient.
Strengthen your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is near.
Beloved, do not grumble against one another,
so that you may not be judged.
See, the Judge is standing at the doors!
As an example of suffering and patience, beloved,
take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

- James 5:7-10

Wheat Field in Rain
van Gogh, 1889

Patience is a virtue that is highly valued in many spiritual traditions, including Buddhism. In fact, the Buddhist scriptures say that patience is the best of all mental states, because it allows us to endure difficult circumstances and conflicts without losing our peace or our compassion. It is a source of strength and resilience that enables us to maintain our inner calm and respond to others with kindness and understanding.

But how do we cultivate patience in our lives? The key, according to the Buddhist teachings, is to cultivate a mind of compassion and love. When we have a mind that is filled with love and compassion, we naturally become more patient and understanding. We are able to let go of our anger and frustration, and instead respond to others with kindness and compassion. We are able to endure difficult circumstances and conflicts with grace and dignity.

In order to cultivate a mind of compassion and love, we need to practice mindfulness and self-awareness. We need to be mindful of our thoughts and emotions, and be aware of the ways in which they can affect our actions and reactions. We need to cultivate a sense of inner calm and peace, and be able to let go of our anger and frustration when they arise.

We also need to cultivate a sense of connectedness and interdependence with others. When we see ourselves as part of a larger whole, we naturally become more compassionate and understanding. We see that we are all interconnected and dependent on each other, and that our actions and reactions have an impact on others. This sense of connectedness and interdependence can help us to be more patient and understanding, and to respond to others with kindness and compassion.

So let us strive to cultivate a mind of compassion and love in our daily lives. Let us practice mindfulness and self-awareness, and let go of our anger and frustration. Let us cultivate a sense of connectedness and interdependence with others, and respond to them with kindness and compassion. And let us remember the words of James, and be patient in our waiting for the Lord's coming, showing compassion and understanding to all those around us.

Amen.

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
A highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it,
but it shall be for God's people;
no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

- Isaiah 35:5-10

Highway in a Blooming Desert
Generated by DALL·E 2,2022-12-11 17.38.45

Perspective 1: For the Benefit of Ourselves

Dear friends,

In the beautiful words of Isaiah, we are told: "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy." (Isaiah 35:5-6)

These words speak to the transformative power of faith, and the ability of spirituality to bring healing and joy to those who are suffering. As followers of the Buddha, we know that suffering is an inescapable part of life. But we also know that through the practice of mindfulness and compassion, we can find a way to transcend our suffering and find true peace and happiness.

The blind, the deaf, the lame, and the mute may be interpreted symbolically as limitations and afflictions that can hold us back in our spiritual life. But with faith, these limitations can be overcome, and we can find a new freedom and vitality. We can open our eyes to the beauty and majesty of the world around us, and hear the music of the universe with our newly unblocked ears.

This is the promise of the Buddha's teachings, that through spiritual practice and the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion, we can break free from the bonds of suffering and find true liberation. As the passage from Isaiah says, "Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy." (Isaiah 35:6)

This is the power of faith, to bring healing and joy to those who are suffering. And as we strive to cultivate this faith within ourselves, may we also be a source of healing and joy for others. May we be like a refreshing spring of water, bringing life and vitality to all those around us.

May we all find the strength and wisdom to overcome the limitations and afflictions that hold us back, and may we find true freedom and joy through the practice of mindfulness and compassion.

Amen.

Perspective 2: For the Benefit of Others

Dear friends,

Today we will reflect on the words of Isaiah in chapter 35, verses 5-10. In this passage, we see a beautiful and powerful message of hope and renewal.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the desert blooming, the land becoming green and fertile, and the weak and oppressed being strengthened and uplifted. This imagery speaks to the potential of transformation and growth within each of us and within our world.

As followers of the path of peace and compassion, we can take this message to heart and strive to cultivate the seeds of hope and renewal within ourselves and our communities.

In doing so, we can help to create a world where all beings are free from suffering and able to thrive in harmony and well-being.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks of the coming of a savior who will lead the way, who will guide us on the path of righteousness and justice. This savior is not a distant figure, but rather a reflection of our own potential to be a force for good in the world.

We too can be the saviors of our own lives and the lives of others, through our actions and our choices. We can be the ones who lead the way, who show others the path to peace and happiness.

Let us embrace this message of hope and renewal, and strive to live in a way that brings joy and well-being to all beings. May we all be guided by the light of compassion and wisdom, and may we all be blessed with the gift of peace and happiness.

Thank you.