As the world becomes faster, we seem paradoxically to have to spend more time waiting. The queue is a symbol of our times. A frustrating experience for those who wait in high-powered cars in traffic jams, or for that fast flight after waiting interminably at airports. We queue in surgeries, at bus-stops, in shops, everywhere. Our life is punctuated with periods of waiting. Some wait with great frustration and impatience even fear, others read or doodle. Waiting can also have a joyful dimension, a child anticipates Christmas with the Santa letter, parents await a birth, engaged couples anticipate marriage. The same day and quantity of time, but difference reactions to it.

In it all, how should a Christian wait for the coming of the Lord?

Carefully, just as you would when carrying out tasks of great responsibility. There will be a final reckoning, no cooking of books will be permitted.

Actively, grasping each day, moment and occasion. No time watching, keep on working until the end.

Confidently in the one who is there waiting for us.

Fear only arises from the uncertainty of the day. But knowing who holds the future (God) is what’s more important. We can echo the words of recently beatified John XXIII. In his final illness he said, 'My bags are packed-I am ready.'For a Christian unlike the frustrated airline traveller, life has a destination and purpose, not a terminal.

(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )