patience is not passive

A reading for today from st. Peter

"What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and the new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of Our lord's patience as your opportunity to be saved."

We often have the misconception that patience demands inactivity or passivity. However, true patience is very intentional and very active. It is the ability or virtue to discern how to act and when to act.

This is why St. Peter tells us that as we wait we should "do our best to live lives without spot or stain." We should be diligent and make haste to be unsullied and blameless for the choice we make and the life we live.

IT isn't about just sitting back and doing nothing but rather it is about learning to love what is good for you and for others and ultimately for God.

Patience is not passive, rather it is very active and engaging for it steps back in order to seek the good, then once it is found, it grabs hold and does not let go.

Patience and prudence go hand and hand. Prudence directs us to the highest good, and patience is the power that enables prudence to lead the way home, one step at a time.