Kevin O'Brien S.J.

As this challenging year draws to a close, I share a story of hope. Our namesake tree in nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 'The Santa Clara' has survived the devastating fire earlier this year. According to Joanne Kerbavaz, California State Parks senior environmental scientist, this majestic tree had fire damage at the base and a fire inside an upper part of one stem. Fortunately, the tree is expected to survive, with green needles in the canopy and new sprouts. Much l...ike our beloved University, this tree is a model of resilience, perseverance and adaptation. My hope for each of you and your families is to stay strong and safe in the coming days and months. Like the mighty redwoods, we are hardy and tenacious. May God bless you and your families in the new year. To learn more: http://spr.ly/6189Hp3H5 Images: California State Parks, all rights reserved.

This is one of my favorite segments from Santa Clara University's annual Festival of Lights. One of the silver linings of this year's virtual show is this performance that brings together the voices of students and alumni. http://spr.ly/6182HrcAp

A beautifully told story....

Each year the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University hosts an online retreat so that we may come together and pray throughout Advent. Today, I shared my reflection (which you can read below). If you would like to receive "Waiting in Joyful Hope: An Advent Prayer" in your inbox, please subscribe here: https://bit.ly/JSTadvent ------... Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church Nehemiah 24:2-7, 15-17A; Psalm 25:4-5AB, 6 AND 7BC, 8-9; Psalm 85:8; Matthew 21:23-27 A few years ago, I was stuck in a situation where differences led to deep division. Some checked out. Others stewed in growing resentment. All sides dug in. Feeling helpless, I did not know what to do. A wise Jesuit friend shared with me the sage advice of St. John of the Cross, whose feast we celebrate today: Where there is no love, put love and there you will find love. Taking the Carmelite saint’s counsel to heart, I looked for ways to offer kind words and encouraging gestures. I tried not to take things personally. With those I was growing particularly frustrated, I prayed, Lord, I am having trouble loving this person. Please show me what you love in them so I can love them too. Small, simple steps, but they made a difference for me. Divisions gradually healed; the ice of indifference slowly melted. In today’s Gospel, Jesus had a choice. Confronted by his adversaries seeking to trap him, he could have responded with righteous indignation, condemning them in a rhetorical display. Instead, in this acrimonious situation, Jesus chose to put love: a gentle rebuke in the form questions, hopefully guiding them to understanding. Putting love where loves seems absent is a fitting Advent practice, like lighting a candle in a dark room, the glow spreading to every dark corner. As with light, love is easy to notice once we put it there.

Sharing this article published today by CNN where I was interviewed about President-elect Joe Biden's Catholic faith. We met over a decade ago in Washington, D.C. where he regularly attended Mass at Georgetown and Holy Trinity Church: https://www.cnn.com//p/joe-biden-catholic-faith/index.html

Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights and celebration of miracles. I wish a happy and healthy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. May your observation be filled with love and light. Chag sameach!

Join me today at 1:00 pm and listen in on my conversation with Shellye Archambeau. I am looking forward to learning more about her professional and personal path here in Silicon Valley and her thoughts on how we might approach systemic transformation to achieve authentic diversity. Watch the live stream event on Santa Clara University's LinkedIn Page: https://lnkd.in/dt5p_RQ (for those who prefer, or do not have a LinkedIn account, the event will be simulcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ryRohtxetTE). I want to thank the staff at Silicon Valley Executive Center, located within the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, for hosting this series and for bringing us together for these timely and crucial conversations.