The Joy of the Unadulterated Soul

Written by Brendan Dailey on Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent

I went for a run one day, a little over a month ago, taking advantage of (what I thought would be) rare 60° weather on a mid-November afternoon. During my brief jaunt through my subdivision and nearby park, I for some reason had found myself drawn to four different children that were out and about in the great weather. I love kids, but this was more than that; there was something more tugging at my attention. After reflecting on it a little bit, I realized that there was something they all had in common – whatever it was they were doing outside, it was with a pure, innocent joy.

As I’ve grown older, my own childhood innocence has receded, replaced instead with the temptations and sins that ensnare me. But these children serve as a reminder to me of what it’s like to live with the exuberance, wonderment, and enthusiasm of an unadulterated soul.

Today’s Gospel tells us that Zechariah prophesies of his own son “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way”. As John grows into this prophet, preparing the way of the Lord, he becomes the voice that cries out in the desert, calling us to follow Jesus. As our journey through Advent comes to a conclusion, I pray that I, and you, might hear John’s cry in the cries of laughter and joy of children, our little companions on this journey of life. May their joy serve as a reminder to us to prepare our hearts for Jesus, and to let ourselves experience Christ’s love with the awe, wonder, and exuberance of a child.

Questions for Reflection:
As I’m preparing for the Christmas season, what am I worried or anxious about, instead of joyfully focusing on celebrating Christ’s birth?
Can I let these things go as a final act of Advent preparation?

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Brendan Dailey
Brendan is an alumni of the University of Michigan and currently works for the University as an IT professional. He is a member of the Graduate Student and Young Professional lead team, and frequents the 12 pm Mass.
Email: bdailey@umich.edu