Episode 125: The One About Digging Into Advent with Steve DeLaney

Cold Open Question of the Week: When was the last time you went to church?This is always one of my favorite episodes each year because tonight we welcome back my friend, Steve DeLaney, to the show. Steve has a degree in history from George Mason University, a Master of Arts in Theology and Theological Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University. He currently serves as a campus minister and teacher at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia. Steve publishes Some Things on Substack, and for the third year in a row, he is publishing Advent reflections during the four weeks of the Advent season. The introductory piece, titled “Three-Legged Dog Annunciation”, was followed by Week 1’s reflection, titled “Three Hundred Bluebirds: A Magnificat” and for Week 2, “Deep Down Things”, which really struck a chord with me when I read and listened to it this week.You can read the introduction to Steve’s Advent reflections here:Going Back to Church: For many, the holiday season is the one time each year they may step into a church. Substacker Chris Cillizza recently wrote about his experience of going back to church: “So I went to church….again.”We discuss with Steve the issues that many people, like Cillizza, face when wrestling with their faith. Cillizza shares the litany of excuses we all can make, from being too busy as a self-employed father whose kids play travel sports on weekends to not believing weekly attendance at church is a requirement to be a faithful disciple.Steve digs into the issues and the underlying feeling many of us feel for community and communion with God.Watch TheBrianLennonShow on Substack:What is Advent?: Steve gives a 30-second elevator pitch or history lesson on Advent to explain the season’s significance and importance.Deep Down Things: We discuss this week’s reflection, which deals with topics like generosity and love, and the examples Steve has found from his own life and those of the people around them.The Writing Process: Steve explains the process of planning a four week reflection series, and how he cultivates the ideas he writes about. We also dig into Steve’s collection of the many quotes and poems he uses in his writing and get a sneak at some of his notebooks.Fatherhood: Steve’s oldest son, Joseph, is away at college this year discuss the adjustment period to our lives.Be sure to follow Steve on Substack and subscribe to Some Things at somedelany.substack.com.TheBrianLennonShow is a reader- and listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a FREE or paid subscriber. Get full access to TheBrianLennonShow at thebrianlennonshow.substack.com/subscribe