Dear Friend,

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

My office is located directly below this beautiful Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd, Immaculate Conception Seminary. At this time of the year, I often hear the seminarians in our choir practicing hymns for the Seminary’s celebration of Lessons and Carols. Their voices break through the busyness of the day and remind me to listen not only to their voices but to the voice of God.

I remember approximately 15 years ago I was interviewing an applicant seeking to join our Seminary community in a staff position. It was after 5 pm, and the Seminary was quiet, but then the silence was broken by the seminarians and priests praying and singing in the Chapel above us. I smiled; the applicant did not. Looking very serious and pensive, she advised, “I guess I could get used to that.”  It wasn’t the reaction I had expected; but the singing certainly wasn’t what she expected during an interview. I’m sure she didn’t mean any disrespect; rather, she just wanted to assure me of her powers of concentration even when overhearing Evening Prayer.

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?” 

Newly ordained priests have heard more than once, I’m sure, that they should “Celebrate each Mass as if it were their first.”  In a similar way, might we approach the altar each day this Advent as if we were receiving our First Communion? With what joy and gratitude would we receive the Eucharist? With what humility would we understand Christ’s invitation to draw closer? Perhaps we can grow this Advent journey to appreciate St. Thérèse’s instruction to a young novice: “Jesus is there in the Taber­nacle expressly for you, for you alone; He is burning with the de­sire to enter your heart.”  

That’s my takeaway as I begin this Advent:  Jesus truly desires my company.

I know I can never get used to that.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us moments throughout the day when we know your presence and love. Please help us this Advent to be more attuned and attentive to all the ways you break through our everyday lives, even our workdays. May we never take you for granted. May we take time to visit you in the Blessed Sacrament, knowing that you desire to enter our hearts; please increase our desire to receive 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).