Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
We read in Genesis that when Noah was waiting for the earth to become dry, he first sent out a raven which never returned, and then he sent out a dove three times. We also read that when he sent out the dove, he decided to wait seven days after each time it returned, before acting again. Certainly, Abraham and his family were ready to get off the ark, and they must have longed for a better life. It makes me think about times when I have felt full of anticipation for what comes next, feeling like I can’t wait to get there, and wanting to rush the process.
When I reflect on this text, I admire Noah’s patience, which I believe must have been rooted in faith and hope in God’s goodness. I remember times when I have taken concrete steps in a certain direction and received no reply from God and times when I received a reply, but it was a firm “.” Noah expected good things from God, and as the wait drew closer to ending, he didn’t complain and wish it was over, but he increasingly became more excited and expectant. I draw this conclusion from the way the scriptures express the second return of the dove: “And there in its bill was a plucked-off olive leaf!” A single leaf caused Abraham to rejoice!
Similarly, the blind man in the gospel longed for a better life, and he pursued it by seeking Jesus out, with the help of some good friends, I assume. Upon finding him, first, he was taken outside of the village, then his vision was partly restored, and finally, his vision was fully restored. At each step he could have complained, saying, “You should be able to fix this right here right now! What is with the waiting, and the extra steps?” It appears, however, that instead of that reaction, his anticipation was sustained with hope and faith in the goodness of Jesus, and with each step leading up to his full restoration, he grew increasingly patient and hopeful.
Ultimately, both Noah and the blind man received what they were anticipating, a better, more complete life. Unironically then, seven, the number of days Noah waited for each return of the dove, is the Hebrew number for completeness. I see this connection as an encouragement to trust in God, and to wait for his kindness, goodness, and generosity with expectant hope, and a deepening sense of patience. Perhaps this disposition will result in the beautiful and unabashed praise of the psalmist, who says, “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?” The Cup of Salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.”
Reflection by Kaleb, seminarian, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections