Today’s psalm is a challenging one, as waiting does not come easy. Waiting seems passive and unproductive. How can we wait for the Lord, or anyone else for that matter, when we see so much need in our communities every day?

It seems to me that the waiting we are called to is twofold. One is active, when we believe that the needs of those coming to us are manageable and we can make an impact. We put in all we have in the Lord’s service and trust that He will work through us to bear fruit. Is it perfection? No. But we make impact and changes that would not have come about without our efforts. God has chosen to work through us, and thus our response is vital - one that we need to choose day after day.

At the same time, our actions need to be understood from the perspective that we are not God, and what God accomplishes through us will naturally have limitations. We are all too aware of our shortcomings when it comes to helping others. Clearly, humanity’s needs have not been solved, and so we are asked to participate in a different type of waiting. In this second waiting, we look for a bigger picture answer that is more complete than what we can offer.

During these times, what kind of waiting are we doing? Is it hopeful and freeing, or are we frustrated by our inabilities and lack of progress? I suggest we see our waiting through the lens of hope that God’s plans will be fulfilled at the appointed time, and that what He brings to each and every need will result in His perfection.

This hope leads to freedom for us, assured that more good is to come beyond what we can do or even imagine. Freedom to try our very best and know, regardless of what we see as results in the short term, they are not the final say. We know what we are waiting for what is to come. Let us share and act accordingly!  

Michael Smith is Chief Program Officer of Catholic Charities Maine and serves on the CCUSA Management and Administration Section Steering Committee.