Dear Friend,

Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.

Many, if not most, of us have had an exceptionally busy Advent; indeed, with each week, the busyness seems to intensify.  Exams, projects, papers: so much needs to be wrapped up before the end of the year. 

In the background of the piles of work on my desk is an unwrapped roll of wrapping paper reminding me that I haven’t yet turned my attention to gifts. Not good. But something bothers me more. Have I not yet turned my attention to the gifts of God, indeed to the Giver of all good gifts? Have I neglected my spiritual life, during Advent of all times?

I gaze at the photo above and I see a Sister of the Community of St. John, a Sister who knows how to focus her attention on Christ as she joyfully fulfills her vocation.  The Sisters and Brothers of the Community of St. John serve in Campus Ministry here at Seton Hall.  Their stated goal is “to be for Jesus in today's Church what John [the Beloved Disciple] was for Jesus in the Gospels.”  I have had such edifying conversations with the Sisters and Brothers about what St. John means for their vocations, and how much they meditate on John resting his head on the heart of Jesus during the Last Supper.

Might we also meditate on the image of St. John this Advent? What did John learn from Jesus’ heart?  Perhaps he was resting when he heard Jesus say: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15:13)

What message of love might Jesus have for us this Advent if we allow ourselves some spiritual rest?  I think of St. Faustina hearing Jesus say to her: “Oh child, especially beloved by Me, apple of My eye, rest a moment near My Heart and taste of the love in which you will delight for all eternity.”  Might we spend some time resting in the knowledge that God loves each of us?  For Faustina, this wasn’t the only message from Our Lord; He also instructed that after resting she should receive Holy Communion.

Might God be telling us today that we need spiritual rest before receiving the Eucharist, and before Christmas?  Might we need a retreat?  A get-away? Even just an hour before the Blessed Sacrament?  Perhaps God will wake us up a bit to see and appreciate those people who have graced our paths, including those who have ministered to us at decisive moments in our spiritual journeys.

Today, I clearly remember beautiful Masses at my high school so many decades ago.  At Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi, all the students and faculty would attend Mass in a stunningly beautiful Chapel on campus. I distinctly remember one Mass when I was a senior; Sr. Mary Virginia was playing the organ and the choir was softly singing an inspiring hymn.  As I left the pew to receive Communion, I prayed, “Lord, let me always savor this.”  Sr. Virginia’s music helped me to have a type of spiritual rest even for just a few moments before I received the Body and Blood of Christ.

Today, let us thank God for those who have helped us to rest in the Lord, and to spiritually prepare to receive the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. Today, might we not only ask God for the gift of rest, but for the blessing of knowing that He wants us to rest near His heart, and He also wants to rest in us.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the people who have accompanied us on our spiritual paths-who have taught us well by their loving example, the use of their talents, and their loving commitment to You. Please bless them for inspiring us.  As we near the end of our Advent journey, we humbly ask You to help us to rest near your heart.  Lord, may our lives not be so packed that our souls do not have room for You to abide and rest in us.  May we always treasure You. Amen.

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Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, earned a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, an M.A. in Catholic Theology and Pastoral Ministry from The Institute of Advanced Studies of Catholic Doctrine, St. John's University, and an S.T.L. and an S.T.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum), Rome. Dr. Traflet is a key leader in the Center for Diaconal Formation, and she gives numerous lectures, retreats, and days of recollection, including some specific to wives of deacons and deacon candidates. She is the author of Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait (Pauline Media, 2008).