Easter Sunday

Reflection

Easter is the most important teaching of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus is the hinge on which the door of our faith swings open. As St. Paul admits in his first letter to the Corinthians: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ.” The testimony that Jesus was raised from the dead is the very foundation of our faith. It is our greatest mystery and surely our greatest hope.

Liturgically we enter the Easter season after what seems like a thirteen-month desert experience of Lent. Acknowledging that we have faced unique and extraordinary challenges as a world community during the pandemic, our Easter faith this year is ever more important. Today and in the coming days, we will have the opportunity once again to pray with the Gospel passages telling the Easter story as Jesus appears to His disciples. These are some of my favorite narratives of our faith.

The discovery of the empty tomb does not prove that Jesus was raised from the dead. The subsequent experiences of the disciples encountering Jesus as being alive is the spark that set our Easter faith aflame. These post resurrection stories of encounter are truly nourishing. We are told that the disciples “did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead.” Resurrection faith was not instantaneous for the disciples. It was rather a process of reflecting on their experience. They remembered what Jesus said and did as a preacher and teacher and they put that into the context with these post resurrection appearances. In the garden, on the road to Emmaus, in the Upper Room, on the beach at the Sea of Tiberius, they encountered the risen Lord.

My hope is that believers will use their imagination and prayerfully enter these scenes of Jesus appearing to His discouraged and hopeless followers. Perhaps in the past year we ourselves have been in a similar state of despair and darkness making the light of the risen Lord’s presence our consolation once again this Easter.

Prayer

Risen Lord, strengthen our Easter faith so we can encounter You again during these holy and joy-filled days. Amen.

Fr. Brian Cummings, S.S.E. ‘86, Director of Edmundite Campus Ministry

Scripture

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9, Matthew 28:1-10, or Luke 24:13-35

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)

Reflection

The Easter Vigil begins in darkness.  But the gathered community of faith know already that the blessed fire will soon light the Easter Candle.  And its flame will be shared as it is borne in procession through a darkness now pierced with the growing points of light which celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In this year's cycle of feasts and seasons, that growing light is also a hope-filled metaphor of faith pointing a way beyond the dark experiences of the year past.  The dark will not prevail where the light and life of the Risen Lord leads and energizes.  There is reason for the Alleluias.  And we insist on them.

Prayer

A prayer for this day (say it and mean it):  "Alleluia!"

Fr. Richard Berube, S.S.E. ’66, Emeritus Professor, Religious Studies

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a

Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 or Psalm 33:4-7, 12-13, 20, 22
Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm 16:5, 8-11
Third Reading: Exodus 14:15—15:1
(Psalm) Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18
Fourth Reading: Isaiah 54:5-14
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
(Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-3, 4-6
Sixth Reading: Baruch 3:9-15, 32—4:4
Psalm 19:8-11
Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3-4
Eighth Reading: Romans 6:3-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Good Friday

Reflection

But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. Isaiah 52:5

Good Friday.  What is good about it?  There are several speculations on the meaning of the name, among them that it derives from an archaic form of “God’s Friday,” or from an archaic meaning of “good” as “holy,” which makes it fit nicely between Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.  But, apart from linguistic questions, what makes Good Friday good is that this is the day on which Jesus gave His very self in love for the salvation of all humanity, and of you, and of me.  It is a day of both universal and very intimate significance.

A major part of the Good Friday liturgy consists of the Solemn Intercessions that conclude the Liturgy of the Word, ten prayers for the Church and the world.  That is big, and they direct our attention and spiritual energies outward.  But the third part of the celebration is Holy Communion, which is as ever an intimate experience: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.”

In Luke’s Passion—today we have John’s—we find the example of “the good thief,” whom we call Dismas, hanging on a cross adjacent to Jesus’ on Calvary.  In all the commotion and horror of the day, and of his own agony, Dismas either knew or could intuit enough about Jesus’ unconditional love to be able to turn to Him one-on-one with the simple prayer, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” to which Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

 Prayer

Jesus, remember me: I know that You always do.  Give me the grace to remember and be mindful of You and Your unfathomable love for me, and to give my very self in bringing that love into the world around me.

 Fr. David Cray, S.S.E. ’68, Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees,

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Gospel: John 18:1—19:42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Holy Thursday

Reflection

He loved His own in the world and He loved them to the end. 

I was honored to be invited to a Seder Service held at the home of Jewish friends a few years ago.  It was not the first time I had participated in this special meal.  However, this time, I got the “feeling” this is a very old ritual, one that gives a special identity to our Jewish sisters and brothers.  It also linked my own religious genealogy with a much longer tradition.  In 1987, Pope John Paul II spoke in a Rome synagogue, praising the Jewish people as “our elder brothers in the faith of Abraham.”  The Seder meal seemed to ground the love of the God the Father we Catholics know in Jesus, in an “eternal timeline.”

In the Gospel reading, St. John testifies to this love of God in the statement that Jesus “loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.”  Jesus is well aware of His imminent fate.  The next sentence bears witness to this fact in speaking of Judas’ plot against Him.  Yet this does not outweigh Jesus’ desire to share a special meal with those He loved as His own.  A lot is made of the fact that the Gospel of St. John has the washing of the disciple’s feet in place but not the institution of the Eucharist found in the other Gospels and in St. Paul.  But, it is notable that the middle reading should be taken from St. Paul’s account.   It is as though the Eucharist—which is the setting for this evening Mass—were looking back at our Old Testament, Exodus, while at the same time, looking forward to the Washing of the Feet, is meant to emphasize that God’s love is present ALWAYS for the one who is able to see God’s love on the journey of life.

For Jesus, the “wasteful” love of the Father for us finds its equivalent in our humble, selfless love of one another.  In the washing of the feet, Jesus signals to us that in God we are family with all peoples, and that the Eucharist is our constant reminder of the love we owe each other.

Prayer

Gracious God, give us Your Holy Spirit, so that in offering our hearts and minds to You this Lent, we may reverence Your presence both in the Eucharist and in our Service to our neighbor. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, our risen Lord.  Amen.

Fr. Marcel Rainville, S.S.E. ’67

Scripture

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: John 13:1-15

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Wednesday of Holy Week

Reflection

God has given each one of us the gift of free will and called us each by name to respond constantly in our lives, using our own free will.  With the gift of free will comes great responsibility.  Are the choices we make a reflection of the needs and well-being of others? Or are our choices a reflection of our own needs, wants and prejudices?

Today’s Gospel is based on the twelve apostles who gather with Jesus to celebrate Passover.  It focuses on Judas Iscariot.  Judas was called by name and chose to follow Jesus, became a part of Jesus’s inner circle and was given the responsibility to manage the purse for those in need.  During Jesus’s public life, He crossed barriers: tending the sick no matter their origins, gender, or beliefs; forgiving all who sought forgiveness and not judging anyone.  Jesus chose what was right, what was good, rather than what was self-serving or the popular choice.

Aware that Judas was not being fiscally responsible with the money purse and aware of the decision of betrayal, Judas was most likely about to make; Jesus did not exclude him from the Passover meal, nor did he take the money responsibilities away from him.  Judas’ free will was never taken away from him, and Jesus never turned His back on him, or on any of the apostles.

We are each called by name.  We are given the gift of free will.  Do we make choices that are for the good of others, or do we make choices that benefit ourselves, and are popular with our family and friends?  Do we ask God for help to make positive choices, rather than self-serving or popular choices?  Do we remember the power of God’s forgiveness, if we but ask?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, grant us the courage to make choices that benefit others.  Grant to us the compassionate, loving heart and mind of Jesus.  Amen

 Sr. Laura Della Santa, RSM, M’84

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Tuesday of Holy Week

Reflection

One of the most incredible feelings is listening to the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God, being sung at Saint Michael’s Chapel: the sweet, melodious strums of the guitar accompanied by the angelic voices of the choir bring tears to my eyes every time. I would get so excited for this moment when I was a student attending Sunday Mass. Friends would look at me and smile, often saying “here comes Maddie’s favorite part.” The prayerful repetition of “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us” invites me to recognize Jesus and all He has done for me. He takes away my sins – and all of the sins of this world – and offers abundant mercy and grace. I can take that moment to truly connect with Jesus. While at Mass, I often struggled to stay entirely focused. I loved being there but had a hard time with being present. My mind was always going, going, going. However, during the Agnus Dei, I could always feel God with His church in that moment. I felt His presence and His protection.

In the verse before Today’s Gospel reading, it is written: “Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.” Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, born without sin. He professes boldly to His Apostles His coming death and resurrection. He does not shy away. Instead, He looks at Judas, hands him the dipped morsel, and bids him, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27). He knows that Judas will betray Him and that Peter will deny Him. However, this awareness does not stop Jesus Christ. It shows His mercy all the more, as He does not try and prevent Judas or distance Himself from Peter. Peter becomes the rock upon which the Church is built; He does amazing things because the Lamb of God was killed. Jesus saw their sins and still chose to die. He sees mine, yours, all of ours, and still gives up His life.

At the end of the Agnus Dei, “grant us peace” is professed. As we acknowledge our sinfulness we must also recognize that healing can only come from God. Jesus Christ, who loves us so deeply, will guide us, protect us, give us strength, and heal our minds, hearts, bodies, and spirits. He will grant us the peace and mercy we ask for because He is always good. Regardless of our fear, doubt, and sin, we are forgiven and saved.

Prayer

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Maddie Newman, ’20

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17
Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Monday of Holy Week

Reflection

At the heart of the imagery of light in the Scriptures comes today’s Psalm: The Lord is my light and salvation.  Today’s readings help us understand this light through our common experience of darkness. 

The Gospel today—of Mary, no doubt feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for her brother’s resurrection, anointing Jesus’ feet with a liter of costly perfume—has Jesus defending Mary’s exorbitant gesture as preparing him for burial. Judas, blindest of who was before Him, complains it could have been sold for 300 days’ wages. The chief priests, in their darkness, plot the death of Jesus.

As Catholics, we celebrate sacraments, the visible forms and gestures of invisible grace. The disciples—reluctant to see what Jesus had foretold—chose to remain in the dark. But grace comes in our darkness. We can’t be a light for the nations if we can’t face the darkness in our lives and see God there, too, the God willing to suffer and die for our blindness, for our own darkness.

God’s people have always suffered. Our understanding of God as light is best understood through this. As Isaiah states, I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. 

St. John notes that “the smell of oil filled the whole house.” Let us, anointed in baptism, smell that fragrance, breathe deep, look within and around us, and offer all we have to the God who desires to save us from our blindness, our confinement, our darkness. 

Prayer

Jesus, our light and our salvation, teach us to fear not; help us to see through our darkness and gaze upon Your face, that we may become a light for the nations.

TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
Gospel: John 12:1-11

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Passion Sunday

Reflection

I was struck by these words in our first reading from the Book of Isaiah:

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.

Weary—that is how I feel:  after a year of separation and isolation from others, unable to gather with my community, friends, family, and coworkers; being unable to serve others in ministry; living in fear of a virus I cannot see, but that I know is all too real; having so many friends and family seriously ill, and others dead; it is easy to become discouraged.

This passage of Isaiah was written after nearly 50 years of the Jewish people’s servitude while exiled in Babylon; they were weary and discouraged, too.  Yet, the writer was inspired to foretell the coming of a Servant to whom God speaks, and who will speak to us words of encouragement; a Servant who will steadfastly do the will of the God, no matter how horribly He is abused, humiliated, or even put to death.  We Christians interpret the Servant Songs of Isaiah as prophecy about the passion of Jesus.

I find comfort in both Jesus’ words and his example of steadfastly doing what needs to be done—what God the Father needs him to do.  I, too, must continue to do what I know is necessary during this pandemic.  Perhaps, by my example, I might “rouse” others who are weary, too.

Prayer

Lord, open my ears to your voice; open my mind to the counsel of our wise medical and civic leaders; and open my heart to the hope that we may come safely through this difficult time, for you are our help.  Amen.

Brother Frank Hagerty, S.S.E. ‘73, Spiritual Director and Prison Minister

Scripture

Procession Gospel: Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Mark 14:1—15:47

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Saturday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

It’s safe to say we as a human collective and as individuals have likely experienced every conceivable emotion and then some in the past year. In the midst of so much fear and uncertainty, what remains constant in our lives? What tools do we have to bring us from darkness back to light? We all have a relationship with God, and it is up to us to continue to cultivate it. Today’s readings remind us that, as a shepherd tends to his flock, God takes care of and protects us. May we find refuge in this.

Another theme found in both our world and in today’s readings is that of perceived divide. What are we allowing to tear us apart? Who or what has caused us to forget God’s unifying power? Similar to the chief priests and Pharisees, who may feel threatened by God’s power and eternal love? I invite you to ask for God’s guidance on how to lead a life that encourages unity—but not necessarily uniformity—rather than divide. How can you be an instrument of God’s love, compassion, and acceptance for those who may feel threatened—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? These invitations may require significant contemplation before any action is taken, and that is okay. We can always practice coming back to love. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents. May we be inspired us to celebrate our differences and our freedom to express them while always remembering that we are all made in the image and likeness of God our Father. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, as we prepare for the coming of our Savior, let us turn our attention toward the unifying power of Your love. Like sheep in Your flock, guide us to see the good You have placed in each one of our hearts.

Merrill Poor, ’15

Scripture

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28

Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10-13

Gospel: John 11:45-56

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Friday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

In today’s readings, we’re presented with the incredible power of God in aiding those who call out in distress. Sometimes when I reflect on readings like these, in which God is presented as a powerful intervening force, I think of a line from Annie Dillard’s Teaching a Stone to Talk. In the passage, Dillard describes the casual nature of church services and reflects on the strangeness of this calmness in relation to the unbelievable, wild power of God. She says, “Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we blithely invoke? . . . It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.” I laugh when I think of it, but there’s truth in the sentiment, especially when reflecting on God’s powerful abilities as expressed in the first reading. 

There are moments in these readings where we are reminded that we are loved and valued, even when we feel overwhelmed and misunderstood. We have power over our situations just knowing this fact. Yet, we are also reminded that God is always willing to help us. In today’s psalm, we hear the refrain: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.” This line is a useful reminder, especially during the communal mourning we’re all experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been moments over the last year when I’ve been overwhelmed by feelings, exhausted from constant worry about all of the people I love all of the time. In these moments, when my emotions bubble over the threshold of things that I feel I can handle, I’ve found myself with no other choice than to lean on God. And when I’ve gotten over my pride, thought God is God and I am not, and let my losses and feelings crash into Christ, I’ve felt them fall from my shoulders, somewhat laughingly wowed to feel the overwhelmed feelings subside with the initiation of a shared burden. I’ve sometimes thought this isn’t possible, but still it happens. He takes them and shares them with me. And I’m left wondering what else God might do to help, if I put on my crash helmet and ask. 

Prayer

Loving God, may we always remember the power of Your presence. May we grow to be beacons of Your love. Amen. 

Elly Moore, ’19

Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
Gospel: John 10:31-42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website 

Thursday of the Fifth Week

Annunciation of the Lord

Reflection

“The Lord said, as He entered the world: Behold I come to do your will, O God” Hebrews 10:5, 7

Recent world and national challenges have likely elicited physical, emotional, and spiritual trials for many. Thus, our faith development and the intent to live God’s will—today’s prominent focus—may not come easily. The pivotal feast of the Annunciation reminds us that the challenge of living God’s will permeates the history of humankind. Unlike the unfaithful King Ahaz who refuted Isaiah’s message that he accept God’s sign about the coming of the Messiah, Mary immediately entrusted herself to the will of God. She would bear a son, Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. Moreover, both Mary and her Son, who is fully human (and fully divine) in obedience to His Father, chose to say “yes” in spite of uncertainty, rejection, isolation and death, relevant still today. Through their extraordinary faith, the New Covenant was fulfilled in Christ and we, through Christ’s once-for-all sacrificial self-offering and resurrection, may now come to know God’s Divine mercy and eternal love.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us nurture our faith through trust by spending more time in “getting to know God” through the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and spiritual reading to include Bible study. Meditate and be present to God in the moment, so that we may hear Him. Recognize the power of God’s presence in our lives and fear not—for God is with us!

Prayer

Glory and praise to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Through Your grace and Divine Providence, help me to live according to your will!

Maureen M. Condon, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Psalm 40:7-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Wednesday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

The first reading evoked a distant memory from my youth when I saw the names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I think it was a song, probably a spiritual. Of more recent memory is the hymn “Be Not Afraid” by the Saint Louis Jesuits with the line, “If you walk amid the burning flames you shall not be harmed.”

The three men fared better than other Old Testament martyrs (of would be martyrs) as they were saved by divine intervention. Interestingly, King Nebuchadnezzar describes the angel as looking like “a son of God” which could be seen as prophetic. The king himself, although perhaps not completely converted, praises the Hebrew God (as does his successor Darius when Daniel escapes the lion’s den). The Responsorial Psalm, also from Daniel, is a song of praise.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims the familiar phrase “the truth will set you free.” The Jews, though they claimed to believe in Him, declare that as descendants of Abraham they have never been enslaved (a strange assertion considering the Exodus, the Babylonian captivity, etc.). He rebukes them and strongly asserts His own divinity and divine mission.

 Prayer

Lord, give us the faith to place our trust in You completely.  Let Your truth free us from misery and the bonds of sin.

 Bill Thompson, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56
Gospel: John 8:31-42

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Tuesday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

In today’s Gospel, Jesus states that we will die in our sins if we don’t believe in Him. That’s intense, right? Well, it is, but imagine if He didn’t tell us and let us pass away without purpose. Faith in Jesus comes in two forms: The first is the mental acknowledgement of our faith and the second is the entrusting of our whole selves to God. In the first reading, we see that the Israelites fall short in the trust aspect of faith in God. Like many of us today, we acknowledge that God can help us, but often we lack the will to trust God with our whole life. When we face obstacles that life throws at us, we tend to stray from God like the Israelites did and punish ourselves in doing so.

Jesus came to earth to tell us that if we don’t believe in Him and follow Him, we will be punishing ourselves to the death that Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Today we read that God, through the person of Jesus, is calling us to find comfort in being able to trust COMPLETELY in God and not in earthly things. Let us do this more fully this Lent and beyond. Only then will we know what unbounded grace God has in store for us. 

Prayer

Father God, help us to follow Your lead with no restraints so that we can bask in Your grace in this life on Earth and more fully after it. Thank You for sending Jesus to remind us that our purpose is to lay all of our trust in You alone. Amen.

Abbey Beach, ’22

Scripture

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21
Gospel: John 8:21-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Monday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

Today’s readings offer views into how I may weave more space for mercy into my daily living. One dictionary definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” In the First Reading, there is mercy given by young Daniel. It might have been easy for young Daniel to go along with the elders, but he bravely chooses to be an upstander. He says, “I will have no part in the death of this woman.” As Daniel stands up here, he offers mercy for himself. In doing so, he also offers mercy to Susanna. I imagine that this mercy also extended into the community that day and perhaps the days following that day.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers mercy for the woman accused of adultery when He says, “let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. When Jesus offers this mercy, He leads the way for others to offer mercy to her and also themselves. This mercy extends to the community.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please allow me to open the space to give myself mercy as I travel through daily living while I also allow myself the space to give mercy to others. Let me be open to be a reflection of Your mercy in my life and in the lives of others.

Jane Hingston Wilkins, ‘01

Scripture

First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62

Psalm 23:1-6

Gospel: John 8:12-20

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website