Advent is an invitation to turn towards the Lord

December 3, 2021

In 1944, Fr. Alfred Delp S.J., a German Jesuit priest, was falsely implicated in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. After suffering brutal treatment and torture, Delp was brought to trial. He was offered the chance at freedom with the condition that he renounce the Jesuits. Fr. Delp rejected the offer. While in prison, he secretly began to say Mass and wrote letters, reflections on Advent, Christmas, and other spiritual subjects. He was executed in February of 1945. Below is a reflection on Advent from “The Prison Reflections of Alfred Delp.”

“Advent is a time for rousing. We are shaken to our depths, so that we may wake up to the truth of ourselves. The primary condition for a fruitful and rewarding Advent is renunciation and surrender. We must let go of all our mistaken dreams, our conceited poses, and arrogant gestures, all the pretenses with which we hope to deceive ourselves and others. If we fail to do this, stark reality may take hold of us and rouse us forcibly in a way that will entail anxiety and suffering... Many of the things that are happening today would never have happened if we had been living in that longing, that disquiet of heart which comes when we are faced with God, and when we look clearly at things as they really are.”

Advent is an invitation to turn towards the Lord. It is a time to focus on what is true, good, and beautiful, rather than the passing things of this world. As we begin Advent what in your life needs to be “renounced and surrendered”? What virtues do we need to grow in? Let us let down our guard and remain quiet in the presence of God.