Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology Advent Video Reflection Series
Experience the Lord with us this Advent season through our Advent video reflection series. Watch a video reflection for each day of Advent on that day's reading, offered by our inspiring faculty and administration.
December 24, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:67-79
Joseph Rice, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology
Reflection: “A child of God”
When we open our hearts to the Father, we are able to welcome the Son with the heart of a child.
December 23, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:57-66
Joseph Rice, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology
Reflection: "John is his name”
Zechariah’s reordering of his life to follow God’s plan is confirmed in his acceptance of a name from God for his son.
December 22, 2019
Reading: Matthew 1:18-24
Rev. Joseph R. Laracy, S.T.D., Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
Reflection: "Imitating St. Joseph"
Will we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit of God, like St. Joseph?
December 21, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:39-45
Rev. William McDonald, S.T.L., S.T.B., Associate Spiritual Director; Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology
Reflection: "Visiting at Christmas"
Like Mary, focusing on that which is most important is what we need to do.
December 20, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Patrick R. Manning, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology
Reflection: "Receiving God Within”
Like Mary, we are all called to welcome God into our lives and bring Him into the world.
December 19, 2019
Reading: JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A and LK 1:5-25
Sister Maria Pascuzzi, C.S.J., S.S.L., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Reflection: "From Barrenness to New Life"
No obstacle is too great for God to overcome.
December 18, 2019
Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph Rice, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology
Reflection: "Do not be afraid!"
Joseph was afraid of a call that exceeded his understanding; reflecting on his example, we can courageously say yes to God’s mysterious call.
December 17, 2019
Reading: Genesis 49 and Matthew 1
Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D., Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Jesus is the New Davidic King"
A discussion of the significance of Jesus as the new Davidic king fulfilling the Old Testament Messianic expectations.
December 16, 2019
Reading: NM 24:2-7, 15-17A and MT 21:23-27
Sister Maria Pascuzzi, C.S.J., S.S.L., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Reflection: "Seeing as God Sees"
When we are open to God’s spirit, we see things differently.
December 15, 2019
Reading: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Eric Johnston, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Good News for the Poor"
We are weak and need a Savior. Behold, He comes!
December 14, 2019
Reading: Ps 80:2AC and 3B, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9A, 10-13
Justin M. Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Moral Theology
Reflection: "On Unseen Grace"
We will reflect on God’s grace and how it often moves within us without us always knowing it as God’s grace.
December 13, 2019
Reading: Is 48:17-19 and Mt 11:16-19
Timothy Fortin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophical Theology
Reflection: "St. Lucy and Eternal Longing"
This brief reflection notes how St. Lucy can help prepare for the coming of the Lord.
December 12, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:39-47
Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration; Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology
Reflection: "'I am your compassionate mother:' Mary’s joyful solicitude of Juan Diego and all her spiritual children"
On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we will compare Mary’s joy in the hill town of Judah, visiting her cousin Elizabeth, with her joy on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico, visiting St. Juan Diego, her spiritual son.
December 11, 2019
Reading: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11:28-30
Monsignor Gerard McCarren, S.T.D., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Reflection: "Did you experience the Lord with you in that?"
Sharing our burdens with Christ enables us to experience God with us (Emmanuel).
December 10, 2019
Reading: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10AC, 11-12, 13; Mt 18:12-14
Monsignor Gerard McCarren, S.T.D., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Reflection: "Urgent Mercy"
Our God rushes to save us!
December 9, 2019
Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Rev. Mariusz Eugene Koch, M.A., Associate Spiritual Director; Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology
Reflection: "Jesus Christ: The Temple Emmanuel"
Advent is the coming of Christ in history and the coming of Christ today as we await His coming at the end of time.
December 8, 2019
Reading: Isaiah 11
Justin M. Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Moral Theology
Reflection: "The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Disciple of Christ"
A reflection on the seven classical gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us in the first reading and their role in our lived discipleship.
December 7, 2019
Reading: Isaiah 30, Matthew 9
Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D., Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Becoming Laborers for the Harvest"
The Lord calls us to become laborers for the harvest so that God would bring healing to others through us.
December 6, 2019
Gregory Glazov, D.Phil. (Oxon.), Professor of Biblical Studies
Reflection: "Jesus as the Living Torah and Gate to Salvation"
The Bible begins with humanity rejecting the commandment that is the gateway to eternal life, but God brings that Gate into our lives via the Torah and especially the Living Torah that is Jesus Christ.
December 5, 2019
Reading: Isaiah 26, Psalm 118, Matthew 7
Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D., Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Building on Rock Foundations"
Advent is a time for listening to the Lord and putting into practice the word of the Lord.
December 4, 2019
Reading: Isaiah 25, Psalm 23, Matthew 15
Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D., Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Prepare for the Feast of Rich Food and Choice Wine"
Advent is a preparation for the Eucharist, the Bread from Heaven which was a long-awaited Hope of Israel.
December 3, 2019
Reading: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24
Monsignor Gerard McCarren, S.T.D., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Reflection: "Joyful Anticipation"
Advent’s focus on Christ’s coming in Bethlehem, His coming at the end of time, and His coming into our hearts today is reason for rejoicing.
December 2, 2019
Reading: Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11
Eric Johnston, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Undergraduate Theology
Reflection: "Longing for Redemption"
At Jesus’s first coming, and at His second, He brings a healing we have been longing for.
December 1, 2019
Reading: Matthew 24:37-44
Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., Rector/Dean
Reflection: "Advent: An Invitation to Stay Awake"
On our journey of faith, the Advent season is an opportunity to be more aware of the Lord's loving presence in our lives.