Advent Reflection from Seminarian Luke

The Seminarian hosted by Holy Trinity for Parish experience early in his formation, Luke Theobald, had written this week's reflection for the Archdiocese newsletter. Luke reflects on the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of our Advent preparation. Our Advent Penance Service here at Holy Trinity will be on Monday 22nd December at 7pm. We share Luke's reflection here:

The dress code on a Sunday in seminary is fairly conservative: suit and collar for priests and candidates, and suit and tie for the other seminarians. Radical fashion choices aren’t expected.
 John the Baptist is a different story. This Sunday we are introduced to John wearing a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt. It is a bold look. Quite possibly, if he were visiting the seminary, he might be politely asked to change into something ‘more appropriate’ before joining the community. 
 But does John the Baptist’s clothing really matter?
 In the seminary we dress formally on a Sunday to reflect the honour we have for the Sunday Mass. John’s ‘wild’ clothing reflects his total commitment to his radical prophetic message. His message: one of repentance and preparation.
 John was calling on the people of Israel to prepare themselves for the Messiah, Jesus. In Advent the Church calls everyone one of us to prepare our hearts again for that same Jesus.
 We get ready for Christmas by making so many external things beautiful: Christmas lights and decorations, beautifully wrapped presents, new Christmas jumpers and more. All of which are wonderful.
But what about our internal beauty? Could we use this Advent to ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’ in our hearts with the Sacrament of Reconciliation? To receive God’s unbounded love and mercy in Confession seems like the best present we could give ourselves. 
 
Luke Theobald, Seminarian
Venerable English College, Rome