~ by Philip Sutherland, SJ

I have been very fortunate as a Jesuit to have a creative outlet by playing the clarinet. Although it could be difficult finding the time for classes, practicing and rehearsals in graduate school, those opportunities were always times when my anxieties about my academic classes could melt away. Music engaged my heart and carried me into the depths of my soul. I think that is why much of my prayer involves music, both because it relaxes me, but also because it helps me to experience the God who is the essence of all that is beautiful.

As we enter Advent and Christmas quickly approaches, I find myself most drawn to the colors and beauty of the new rituals. Whether it’s the liturgical colors, the new hymns or the readings from Isaiah that fill me with hope and anticipation, I find that I consistently encounter God in a unique way during this season. In a word, I am struck by the profundity of the mystery that is at the heart of the Christian faith. Mystery primarily acts upon our hearts, not our intellects, and draws us in by its ineffable wonder. Like an extended chord seeking its resolution, Advent is both beautiful in itself but also points to a new creation that will complete all that has come before. The season fills my heart with joyful expectation that what has come before is not the final note, and with the hope that the mystery that is beyond words will once again open the doors of my heart and bring me to my knees.

Philip Sutherland, SJ is an Oregon Province scholastic working at St. Andrew Nativity School, where he teaches 7th and 8th grade religion classes and proctors study hall.