Dear Friend,

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10

Advent Reflection by Rev. Msgr. Joseph Reilly

Isaiah’s prophetic vision in the first reading from Mass is nothing short of breathtaking. What the Spirit of God can do is amazing. Breaking down boundaries and barriers to bring about connection and communion, bestowing gifts in abundance, while at the same time revealing, restoring and renewing – this is truly the work of the Spirit of the Lord!  It is no surprise that, early into this holy season of Advent, the Church holds up before us this vision of what God can do, of what is possible when people of faith trust that God’s word and his promises are indeed both life-giving and true.

In Jesus Christ, we find the fulfillment of all this prophecy. Possessing the fullness of all these heavenly gifts, Jesus does not hesitate to share them with those who bear his name and the likeness of his own heart in their manner of selfless, sacrificial loving. We look to Jesus today and each day and we are reminded what God can do.

The image for today’s reflection is from the Seminary Chapel on the third floor of Lewis Hall. Several years ago, this space was very different – in appearance, in utilization and in its impact upon the Seminary community.  Stained glass windows and pews were brought in from Sacred Heart Church in Jersey City. The family of Bishop Donato donated the beautiful tabernacle in his memory after his passing. A new altar and pulpit were crafted. Today, this stunning and inspiring chapel is used for Holy Mass, for personal prayer and for homiletic and liturgical practica.  This space, too, is a testimony to what God can do.

Stepping into this holy season of Advent as expectant believers, let us not be fooled into thinking that what God can do is recorded only in Scripture or on the third floor of Lewis Hall. As Saint Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Ephesians: “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good work.” (2:10) As you and I spend time with the Lord in the Eucharist during these days, we are reminded of what God can do – for you and for me. In our weakness, God is strength. In our struggles and challenges, from without and within, God is our hope. In the darkness of illness and chronic pain, God is light and refreshment. Amidst division and conflict in our families, our nation and even our Church, God alone is the source unity, communion, and peace.

Father Alfred Delp, SJ was a German Jesuit who was condemned to death by the Nazis. From his prison, he wrote some of the most striking, powerful, and encouraging words about Advent. His words shine forth brightly as a reminder of what God can do: “The character of life is to keep going, to keep a lookout, and to endure until the vigilant heart of man [and woman] and the heart of God who meets us come together… Those who really wait on the Lord God will not be disappointed.”  So, as we get going this Advent, let’s keep going and keep a lookout – and be amazed and inspired by what God can do.  God never disappoints!

Prayer:

God of life, keep my heart and my mind attuned to you and to your presence in my life.  Let me never fall short in my expectations of you – your power, love, goodness and solicitude in my regard.  May these days of Advent keep me close to Jesus in the Eucharist.  I trust that, in Jesus you can do all things. 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.