Dear Friend,

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

Thursday, December 1, 2022

I was pleasantly surprised—even a bit stunned-- when one of our seminarians showed me this picture of Seton Hall’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. “How did you take that photo?”  I thought erroneously that had used some type of sophisticated technology.  He had, though, used his artistic sense; and more than that, I believe, his prayerful creativity. He knew that this photo would be used for Advent—and he wanted to capture something to help us all to enter the scene, and to truly pause and meditate.

I’ve been pondering the photo for many weeks---and I know I will continue to do so.  Perhaps you, too, might pause today, even stop into the Chapel, and consider the scene the seminarian captured. What might God be saying to you as you thoughtfully gaze upon the stars and the altar?

I’ve often thought of her response and have wondered if I sometimes live out the words: “I could get used to that,” or even, “I am used to that.”  Am I used to the sacred? Am I used to the beauty of hymns? Am I used to the beauty of our campus, particularly our chapels? Have I become immune to being touched and inspired? Have I ever neglected the spiritual with an attitude of “Been there/done that?” 

What initially stunned me was that I’ve entered and prayed in our University Chapel countless times during the course of 30 years, and I have never noticed these stars.  I missed the stars guiding our gaze to the altar and helping us to truly hear the words of the Mass, as the priest prays “Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation….”

This Advent, I think of the wise men following the star to the manger where they meet and worship the Son of God.  Perhaps God is instructing us today: “follow these stars to the altar, where you will find my Son.”

Might the stars inspire our prayer this Advent?   I once was on an Ignatian retreat in the mountains of Colorado; I’ve never experienced starry nights as I did there, but I have beheld similar beauty, right here on campus.  Have you ever walked on a winter’s night near the University green when there isn’t a cloud in the sky and the stars are sparkling in all their brilliance?   We can almost hear the hymn: "all is calm; all is bright,” or the Psalmist’s praise: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

The scene is even more beautiful and wondersome if we look in the direction of the Chapel. When the door is open, it’s as though our “Lord, God, of all creation” is inviting us to spend some time together.  May we hear God’s loving voice clearly and answer the invitation wholeheartedly this Advent, particularly as we gather around the altar of the Lord.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, St. Titus Brandsma once said that “Love for nature contributes to loving each other and loving God more nobly and more deeply.”  Help us this Advent to appreciate you as “Lord, God, of all creation," as we seek to love you "more nobly and more deeply." May the stars and all of nature inspire our desire to draw near to you, particularly in the Eucharistic sacrifice. Please open our eyes to the wonder of nature, and the wonder of the gift of the Sacrament of your love. Illuminate our way to the manger.  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).