It's Advent—a time of penance and preparation. How are you getting your heart and home ready for Christmas? Like countless Notre Dame alumni, I make a point to watch and pray with Sacred Stories, created by the alumni association. I look forward to the daily drop on YouTube and other social media platforms—excited to see who will share their story. A few have been classmates and friends! Others are athletes, coaches, administrators and alumni.
While each story is sacred, some are extra special. Many speak specifically to a Notre Dame audience, but most offer a message that is meant for all, regardless of your familiarity or connection to the university. Among my favorites for the Advent 2024 journey is the testimony from Day 2 by Father Nate Wills, C.S.C. I found his message particularly poignant for the first week of Advent, when we light the purple candle signifying hope.
Father Nate is the football chaplain for the Fighting Irish. This is well known as he is an active, noticeable and positive presence on the sidelines. In his Sacred Story, he takes us back to a memory from his rookie days in the role.
Three words made all the difference. In true Holy Cross/Notre Dame fashion, I thought he would say "Come Holy Spirit." This is the prayer that the beloved past President, Father Ted Hesburgh C.S.C. urged others to pray. (NB: How I wish Father Ted had recorded a Sacred Story of his own; I don't even want to know if A.I. can help). Instead, his three words are "You're with us." I encourage you to watch here and now (or watch again).
"You're with us" reminds us of what Father Greg Boyle, SJ teaches: There is no 'them' and 'us.' There is only us. Unfortunately, we lose sight of this truth, and yet I believe Father Nate's testimonial is a message of hope. His recollection reminds me that there are those people who think to extend that spirit of welcome. I know those who have the courage to say those words—and I thank God for them. They give me hope. And we have a God who does the same. God offered hope in Christ Jesus In Matthew's Gospel, we read:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
Father Nate puts this teaching into context with this holy time of year. He says,
We’re one with him and we anticipate the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, anew this Advent season. Even though it can sometimes feel otherwise, we always belong to the Christian family into which we have been adopted.
We never walk alone. We’re with him, and he’s with us.
I love the image of the player walk in this video. It helps us to visualize the time and space when and where Father Nate felt alone. It also reminds us of what we will celebrate on Christmas Day: God with us. Not just me, not only you. Us.
Our Prayer
For the times we feel uncertain, and in the moments we feel like an outsider.
When we split into groups or don’t know where to go. In places where we will doubt or panic—where uncertainty seems to reign, Let us remember to welcome the stranger, to include the lost, to harbor the lonely to smile to others. Give us the courage to say “You’re with us.”And the ability to join.
In this Advent season, we celebrate Jesus being born into the world because God loved us so much that he even wanted to share in our humanity, to be with us. Let us remember we are part of a Christian family that gives that same promise by our loving God: “You’re with us.”
We’re one with him and we anticipate the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, anew this Advent season. Even though it can sometimes feel otherwise, we always belong to the Christian family into which we have been adopted.
Past Posts from ND Alumni Association for Lent
2023 with Audric Estimé
Sacred Places at ND: Josh Lugg
Sacred Plaaces at ND: Sam Grewe
Photo Credits
Father Nate Prayer
Player Walk
Intro is from the Reflection
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