We ask ourselves what we are waiting for. Are we waiting for something, or perhaps for someone? Are we waiting at all, or have we dropped all expectations in disillusionment in a world that moves too fast and seemingly does not care?
We ponder the plight of the soon to be delivered Mary. Because Our Blessed Mother endured pregnancy according to the manner in which Eve would have endured it before the fall she certainly did not suffer the pains of childbirth, which are a punishment for sin. Her sufferings because of her Child would come at the end of His life- at the foot of the Cross.
… Most just indeed it is, O Holy Mother of God, that we should unite in that ardent desire thou hadst to see Him, who had been concealed for nine months in thy chaste womb; to know the features of this Son of the heavenly Father, who is also thine; to come to that blissful hour of his Birth, which will give Glory to God in the highest, and, on earth, Peace to men of good will. Yes, dear Mother, the time is fast approaching, though not fast enough to satisfy thy desires and ours. Make us redouble our attention to the great mystery; complete our preparation by thy powerful prayers for us, that when the solemn hour is come, our Jesus may find no obstacle to his entering into our hearts. (Ancient prayer of Liturgy)
Image on right- St. Anthony' Shrine Boston