Dear Friend,

  Sunday of the Second Week of Advent   December 4, 2022

Matthew 3:1-12

Reflection by Rev. Msgr. Joseph Reilly

It was third grade.  We had to make a “shoebox” of a story we had read.  I was so excited about taking this on.  I had spent loads of time (for an eight year old) on this project and was very proud over what I had made, holding it up before my family over and over again so they could see what I had done.  This all came crashing down when I was informed by my teacher that we had to present our creation to the whole class – from the front of the class!  I was sick to my stomach and felt paralyzed. 

Never really being able to hide my feelings (for better or for worse!), my teacher quickly picked up on my absolute panic and fright.  In her kindness (and perhaps to avoid a little Joey meltdown!), she agreed to present my shoebox to the class.  I have never felt so relieved!  And yet, as I recall this incident some 50 years later, I believe the Lord, on this Second Sunday of Advent, might be nudging me to appropriate a little more than simply the feeling of having dodged a bullet: sometimes you need to stand up and be willing to stand out.

That’s exactly what John the Baptist did with his life and preaching.  He stood up for the truth in an uncompromising manner, knowing that such a stance would cost him dearly.  In his appearance, by his apparel and through his attitude, John the Baptist stood out.  He wasn’t afraid to “raise eyebrows” or to “make waves” in his efforts to prepare the way for the Lord. Such boldness, clarity and urgency!  Makes me wonder if not a lot has changed in my own heart and disposition when it comes to standing up and standing out for Christ. 

These days of Advent, now entering week two, are meant for us to look at our lives of faith and to seriously consider how truly is the whole of my life oriented toward the way of Jesus.  A partial or half-hearted commitment to the Lord “does not bear good fruit” as the today’s Gospel reminds us.  Stepping into the second week, may you and I recognize our need for change, for a re-direction back towards God.  By admitting our own sin and weakness and through the experience of the Lord’s tender mercy, may we grow in our closeness to God. 

I was struck by the image for today’s reflection – by the light and the darkness in such stark contrast.  It is a familiar spot for all of us, the pathway in front of our University Chapel. How many times have we passed by, rushing off to get to class or to a meeting?  If you and I, like John the Baptist, want to be able to stand up and stand out, perhaps a few quiet moments standing in the presence of the One who loves, saves, heals and empowers – Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist – is what is called for this Advent. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may your presence with us these holy days help us to grow in your likeness.  May the prayers and example of Saint John the Baptist give us the strength and courage we need to give witness to you in our daily lives.  There is no one more deserving of all of our efforts and affection.  Amen.

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Rev. Msgr. Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., former Rector/Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. He holds a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, a licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) from Pontificio Istituto Teresianum, Rome, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Fordham University. He has served as a member of the Archdiocesan Priest Personnel Board, the Advisory Committee on Continuing Education and Ongoing Formation of Priests, the Archdiocesan Vocations Board, and the Board of Trustees of Seton Hall University. Pope John Paul II named him a Chaplain to His Holiness in 2005, with the title of Reverend Monsignor. In 2016 during the Holy Year of Mercy, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization sought priests who were living signs "of the Father's welcome to all those in search of His forgiveness." He was the only priest from the Archdiocese of Newark formally commissioned as a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis.