AN ADVENT BLESSING FOR WAITING

By Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

A Midweek Spiritual Workout with
Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin

AN ADVENT BLESSING FOR WAITING



Who wait for the night to end 
bless them.

Who wait for the night to begin
bless them.

Who wait in the hospital room 
who wait in the cell
who wait, in prayer,
bless them.

Who wait for news
who wait for the phone call
who wait for a word
who wait for a job, a house, a child
bless them.

Who wait for one who will come home
who wait for one who will not come home
bless them.

Who wait with fear
who wait with joy
who wait with peace
who wait with rage
who wait for the end
who wait for the beginning
who wait alone
who wait together
bless them.

Who wait without knowing
what they wait for or why
bless them.

Who wait when they should not wait
who wait when they should be in motion
who wait when they need to rise
who wait when they need to set out
bless them.

Who wait for the end of waiting
who wait for the fullness of time
who wait emptied and open and ready
who wait for You,
bless them.

~ Jan Richardson

https://www.olih.org/advent-reflection

On this SPIRITUAL WORKOUT WEDNESDAY, as you await the Nativity of Jesus, ask yourself: “What am I waiting for? How am I waiting? Why am I waiting? Where can I wait?” Open yourself to a conversation with Jesus. Say to Him, “Jesus, guide me as I await Your coming…” or “Jesus, teach me how to welcome You…” or Jesus, help me prepare for You…”

Then, listen and wait.

 


Fr. Marino H. Msigala, OFM Capuchin was born in Kibakwe, Mpwapwa, Dodama Tanzania, Africa, on January 23, 1978. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood on July 12, 2012, by Archbishop Gervas John M. Nyaisonga. Following his service as Pastor in his home country of Tanzania, Father was commissioned to the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Augustine in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was assigned studies and pastoral duty at Immaculate Conception Church in Dudley, PA. After he completed his Master's Degree at Villanova University, Father was reassigned to serve as chaplain and pastoral care at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He completed his ministry there and returned to Tanzania on May 7, 2024.

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