This stunning image of Mother Mary expecting comes from a church in Vicenza, Italy

I wrote this reflection for a livestream service meditating on the place of waiting we inhabit in this time of Covid-19.

Wait, but do not wait alone:

Wait with Noah, who knows not when the waters will subside,

Wait with Noah, who watches for the dove to return a single green branch. 

Wait, but do not wait alone.

Wait with the people of Israel who wander, lost in desert lands.

Wait with the people of Israel who are yet found each day among God’s presence, the cloud and the fiery pillar.

Wait, but do not wait alone.  

Wait with Job, who is battered by storm after unending storm.

Wait with Job, who still says:

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last my Redeemer will stand upon the earth…

Then in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19:25)

Wait, but do not wait alone.

Wait with Isaiah, whose people stumble in darkness, whose land is desolate.

Wait with Isaiah, who yet who cries out, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Wait, but do not wait alone.

Wait with Zechariah, whose tongue is silenced, whose speech is cut off.

Wait with Zechariah, who yet knows that his baby boy will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Wait, but do not wait alone.

Wait with Mary, who carries the Word of God in her secret, inmost being.

Wait with Mary, who looks for the fulfillment of all that has been promised.

Wait, but do not wait alone.

Wait, but do not wait alone:

Wait with all around the world who watch and pray,

Brothers and Sisters, Beloved of the same God

Who waits with us.