The Gift of Holiness at Christmas with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:20 — 12.0MB) | Embed

The Gift of Holiness at Christmas with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.

This reflection was given during a special advent evening of prayer and meditation service at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, in Omaha, NE.

Fr. Mauritius Wilde reflects on the joy and love that naturally accompany creativity, whether through artistic endeavors, parenting, or spiritual growth. Connecting human creativity to the divine, he illustrates how God’s act of creation in Genesis reflects His delight in what He has made.

Just as we love the fruits of our labor or gaze lovingly upon our children, God looks at us with unwavering love, marveling at His creation. Through Jesus Christ, the perfect image of God, we are invited to embrace this divine love and strive toward holiness, becoming more fully aligned with God’s image through grace and spiritual growth.

Advent is an invitation to focus on Christ’s transformative gift of holiness. Drawing on the wisdom of Meister Eckhart, Fr. Mauritius likens God to a sculptor, who patiently removes what obscures His image within us. Fr. Wilde encourages listeners to embrace this process of refinement by being actively receptive to God’s grace.

Holiness is not about striving for perfection on our own but about allowing God to work in us, making His image shine more fully.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

How Do I See My Creative Work? Reflect on whether you view your creative efforts as a participation in God’s creative power and a way to glorify Him.
Do I Recognize God’s Delight in Me? Consider how often you acknowledge God’s loving gaze upon you as His beloved creation.
What Does Holiness Mean in My Life? Ponder how you can actively embrace the grace of God to become a clearer image of His holiness.
Am I Open to God’s Transformative Work? Reflect on your willingness to let God sculpt and refine you, removing what obscures His image.
How Do I Prepare for Christ at Advent? Evaluate whether your Advent practices focus on deepening your relationship with Christ rather than external busyness.

Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.