Open-Handed Waiting

The Gospel reading is Luke 12:32-40

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the disciples how to wait, how to be ready for the Son of Man.

Father Mark discusses “close-fisted waiting” and “open-handed waiting.” The former can lead to impatience throughout life, such as while waiting in a checkout line. We may tend to regard people and situations as impediments to our agenda and implicitly have the attitude of “my will be done.” The latter is open, not driven by agendas, looking to see Christ in all people and situations.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.