Easter Sunday

Reflection

I grew up during the 1950s.  I remember Easter not so much because it was a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead but because it was an occasion on which we purchased new clothes and wore them for the first time on Easter Sunday.  Our local church, like churches in other places, was a show of new clothes and excited children who could not wait to get home after Mass and dig into their Easter baskets.

I wonder about all this now that I am in my 70s.  What were we being told?  Maybe there was something in what we did as children that prepared us for the essential meaning of Easter.  In early Christianity, catechumens were baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass were made to leave behind their old clothes before entering the pool of water to be baptized.  After their baptism, they would come out of the water and dress in white, a sign of their new status as Christians who had been washed clean of sin and who now celebrated the newness of their lives as Christians.

Could it be that we, as children, were being prepared to understand that Easter was a celebration of our own rebirth and the newness of life that we had received in our baptism?  A reminder that we celebrated more than a doctrine of faith that declared that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Indeed, a celebration of our newness in Christ, who had liberated us from sin.

Prayer

God our Father, who dressed us in new life at our baptism, help us this day to remember and to celebrate not only Your Son’s rising from the dead but also our rebirth to new life.

Fr. David Théroux, S.S.E. ’70, Instructor in the Religious Studies Department

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 or Luke 24:1-12

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)

Reflection

From the Exultet of the Easter Vigil:

Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of His glory, let this holy building shake with joy, filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.

Tonight the Church gathers in solemn vigil, awaiting the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the holiest night of the year, and the Easter Vigil Mass is the high point of the liturgical calendar. The Easter Vigil begins with the blessing of the fire. We then process into a darkened church with only the newly blessed Paschal Candle lit. For me, this is always a solemn moment, filled with emotion. When I get to the halfway point of the church, I hoist the candle high and just wait a moment. Every eye in the church is on that small, flickering flame. The light finally reaches the walls of the church. That small flame has pierced the darkness of the church, overcoming it and taking precedence to it. It’s a symbol of Easter!

Through His passion, death and resurrection, Jesus has pierced the darkness of sin, suffering and death. As the candle stands as tall as a sentry against the darkness, so Jesus stares down sin. His resurrection has won. New life, redemption and salvation will have the final say. And so tonight, Mother Church rejoices, bathed anew in the light of Christ. We rejoice, too, as we come to realize what God has done for us in Christ. What love He has for us! Tonight we stand in awe and wonder of God, who graciously redeemed us through His son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Risen Jesus, tonight we gather under the Paschal Candle to celebrate Your resurrection.  You rose from the dead that we might have hope and life. Help us remember, Lord, that we are an Easter people. Alleluia! is our song. Let the holy building of the church shake with joy, for You are Lord, and from You all things come. Amen. Alleluia!

Rev. Msgr. Bernard W. Bourgeois, Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees

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: Luke 24:1-12

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Good Friday

Reflection

John’s passion account is strikingly different from the Synoptic Gospels. Jesus is not a victim; he voluntarily lays down his life, and no one, not even Pilate, holds power over him.

Who or what holds power over me? Am I laying down my life in ways that benefit others?

Conflicts between light and darkness, truth and falsehood, and life and death unfold. Jesus offers the way, truth, and life that do not mesh with Judas’ plans. Judas betrays Jesus in the night. Pilate asks, “What is truth?”

Do I walk in darkness or the light of faith? Do I pursue “Truth”?

Only John records the soldier lancing Jesus’ side from which blood and water flowed. They symbolize Eucharist and Baptism through which Jesus poured out his life to nourish and cleanse us. In John, Jesus asks Peter: “Will you lay down your life for me?”

Do I pour out my life for others? Do I nourish and cleanse my spiritual life regularly?

Jesus asked those who came with torches and weapons: “For whom are you looking?” For whom or what are you searching?

Jesus pondered, asking his Father to save him from this hour. Do I place God’s will over my will?

Before Jesus says, “It is finished,” He says, “I thirst.” For what do I thirst this Good Friday?

Prayer

As Mary, the new Eve, and John, the beloved disciple, stood at the foot of the cross, help us, O Lord, to be part of a community whose primary virtue is love as you show us the way, the truth, and the life that leads to Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Fr. Richard Myhalyk, S.S.E. ‘66

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

From start to finish, the Gospel of Jesus calls us to communion and community:  To love God we must love our neighbor;  when we pray, we are to say "our Father" and "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."  Jesus promised: "Where two or three of you are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of you."  So we pray today in the Responsorial Psalm:  “My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all His people.”  In the Gospels, we are told that "on night before he suffered," Jesus commanded His disciples two enactments of communion: sharing His sacramental Body and Blood (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and the humble service of washing one another's feet (John):  "Do this in memory of me."  "As I have done so you must do."  Together.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, in our times of joy, show us how to share it.  In our loneliness, make us feel Your presence.  In our anxieties, give us the grace of trust in God the Father of us all.  And bring us together, in body and spirit, to the glory of Easter.  Amen.

Fr. Richard Berube, SSE, ’61, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies

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

Today’s readings take us to extreme examples that require a little time to process. There is the ideal of right relationship with God in Isaiah’s passage and then the brutal betrayal of Jesus by Judas in the Gospel. The Psalm pleas in the midst of it all: Lord, in your great love, answer me. What resonates with you?

Where Isaiah paints a picture of who I want to say I am, Matthew’s Gospel offers my greatest fear, and I reckon I fall somewhere in the middle. I know there have been times when my words have struck a chord with others, when I feel courageous enough to speak up for what is right, knowing the Spirit is with me and nothing can deter me.  But there are more times when I don’t take the time to hear for and listen to God, times when I don’t speak up, when I get carried away with my own fears and try to make it on my own. I forget to surrender to God’s love. And while I’m surely not Judas—I would never give Jesus up for a few coins, and can you imagine having dinner with Him afterwards?—I wonder actually if I’m not that far off. I’ve seen how I’ve ignored other’s needs, betrayed friendships, made wrong decisions in an effort to put myself “on top.”

Today’s Psalm settles in me. When I am weak, when I am torn, when I feel shame, I need to remember to reach for God. When others dismiss me and my heart breaks, I need to reach for God. And when I remember to sing praise to God, it’s not because God needs it, but because my soul needs to be revived with the Truth—God is always there. In our daily miracles and gifts, but most especially in our suffering, in our loneliness, in our questions, God is there. We simply need to remember. Lord, in Your great love, answer me.

Prayer

Gracious and merciful God, help me to remember and surrender to Your great love. 

Heidi St. Peter, ’96, Assist. Dean for Advising and Student Development

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

Over the last year, I have developed a strong affinity for C.C. Filson Company, an outfitter based in Seattle, WA. They sell clothing and equipment to last a lifetime. Their motto is “Unfailing Goods,” and they have been around since 1897. These products are built to last and have been trusted by ranchers, fishermen, loggers, and adventurers for 125 years.   Filson’s marketing is all about the theme of dependability and trustworthiness: built for every kind of weather, no matter how extreme the conditions. In a similar way, I see God’s Word as an outfitter with all of the unfailing goods that we need so that we can trust Jesus Christ and be on mission for the advancement of His kingdom. Each one of God’s promises is like another layer: a jacket, a hat, boots, socks, backpacks, pants, blankets, gloves, belts, knives, axes, rain gear, fishing vests, shooting vests – whatever you need for your mission. These items allow the wearer to withstand any conditions and complete their mission. Each item can be likened to one of God’s promises: God is trustworthy (Hebrews 10:23), God will strengthen us and help us (Isaiah 41:10), God will give us wisdom (James 1:5), God is always good (Psalm 119:68), God’s love is unfailing (Isaiah 54:10), God has work for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), and more! Just google “God’s promises” and see the excellent selection, always in stock…and free! All of this makes me think of Psalm 1 which describes the person who is equipping oneself with God’s word, meditating on it day and night – they will be like a tree planted by a quiet stream, bearing fruit in every season. That is the mission: fruit. We are here to bear fruit, and the only way we can is if we cloth ourselves with these promises. Putting on more layers is like sending our roots deeper into the soil of God’s kingdom where we can take in more nutrients, be anchored more firmly, and, therefore, bear more fruit (John 15).

So, next time you find yourself on a treacherous path or in a powerful storm, stop in at God’s Promises, Inc. and get the unfailing truth you need to keep going. And when you find yourself safe on the other side, you can tell your story – you can sing it loud, praising God for what He did as you trusted in Him. This is ambassadorship.

Prayer

Father, as You intentionally place me in various circumstances throughout my life, help me to be clothed and rooted in Your unfailing promises so that I can show the world that You are a better foundation than anything in this world.  In Jesus’ name – Amen.

Tim Nagy, ’15

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

Liturgically, we find ourselves in the lull between Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday, but today’s Gospel reading is set prior to Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem: a moment of calm before the whirlwind of events leading to Good Friday.

Just imagine the dinner they gave for Jesus at Bethany. Usually the focus is on the symbolism: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus feet, how it portends Jesus’ death and how Judas reacts.  But take a step back and there is so much feeling in the story. The timing is set at six days before Passover and, in John’s telling, it seems to be at Lazarus’ house. A last gathering with closest friends? Jesus was aware that the authorities would soon be hunting Him down, so He was avoiding Jerusalem. The impending catastrophe must have weighed on His mind. Did His friends sense that this might be their last meal together, too? A type of Last Supper in a more familial setting. How beautiful and human, that Jesus would want to spend this time with them, these characters we already know. Martha serving the guests. Mary staying close to Jesus. Lazarus at the table: how must he feel, having only recently been raised from death by Jesus? Surely overwhelmed with gratitude and awe and love. What depth of emotion and trust must have prompted Mary to dry His feet with her hair! Even among close friends with the intimacy they shared, it seems a most extraordinary gesture. Prior to Lazarus’ raising, she has already knelt and acknowledged Jesus as Lord.  But He is no distant God, rather One who can be touched, who would accept this very personal bodily gesture of adoration and love.

The reading from Isaiah echoes the theme of Jesus’ identity as Lord and Messiah, one chosen by God. And, simultaneously, it refers to Israel as the chosen people, and to us. The word “justice” occurs three times in this short passage. The phrase “I have chosen you for the victory of justice” called out to me. As we observe Jesus’ Passion and await Easter, seeking and working for the victory of justice in our world should be our striving.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for the call to be at Your table with Martha and Mary and Lazarus, to be part of Your family that extends across time and space. Help me take on my share of the responsibility to advance justice and bring light where I can in this troubled world.  Amen.

Zsuzsanna Kadas, P’13, Professor of Mathematics Emeritus

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

“Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.  Jesus said to them, ‘I am among you as the one who serves.’”  With Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, we are ushered into the mysteries of Holy Week, culminating in the celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday.  It is a week full of contradictions and, if we enter deeply into the drama of the liturgies, of emotional whiplash.  Who is this Jesus?  He is the king riding into Jerusalem in triumph, ironically seated on the colt of an ass.  He is the “criminal” hustled out of the city to be executed only five days later.  He is the gentle rabbi managing His own and His disciples’ worst fears and best hopes for Himself and them in the wonderfully intimate Communion feast and long discourses of their Last Supper together.  He is the physically crushed but undefeated Suffering Servant in His Agony in the Garden, in His trials, torments, and dying on the Cross.  We know, throughout it all, that He is the Risen Lord.  All these dimensions of His person are concentrated in those few words: “I am among you as the one who serves.”  In the best of times and in the worst of times, He is among us as the one who serves.

Prayer

Jesus, give me the grace always to be conscious of Your presence among us as the one who serves: to know that success as Your disciple means neither being exalted nor being debased, but simply being there in service to You and to our sisters and brothers in whatever comes our way.  You were not the focus of Your own attention in Your suffering and death, or even in your Resurrection.  You were there for the service of Your Father and the least of Your sisters and brothers.  Help us to maintain that steady sense of purpose in our lives, too.

Fr. David Cray, S.S.E. ’68, Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees, Superior General of the Society of Saint Edmund

Scripture

Procession Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

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

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56 or  23:1-49

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Saturday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

As we come to the end of the 5th Week of Lent and move into Psalm Sunday and Holy Week tomorrow, we read in Ezekiel that “the Lord God says I will make them one nation…and there shall be one shepherd for them all….I will make them a covenant of peace….an everlasting covenant.”  Here is opportunity for a community of faith to bring forth a new spirit of life with each other and their God. This seems to be an ongoing theme in the Old Testament where once again God gives the people a new opportunity to be a caring community with God dwelling with them.

In today’s Gospel, we read of concern of many of the Jews over the good works and healing Jesus is doing for fear that the Roman Authorities would come and take away all that is theirs. Love that had been flowing for this man who had done so much for the people and helped them to become a caring community is replaced by fear because of what they believe will be lost if they follow Him. The Community begins to break from this Holy One, by this fear, as the Celebration of Passover approaches and they ask each other—“What do you think?”

Knowing already what happened next, how do you, in today’s world, approach the question, “What do you think? Is the message of Jesus alive and active in you and your community of faith and family?  Are you willing to be active in bringing forth the fruits of resurrection each and everyday by your individual and communal prayer and actions?

Prayer

Jesus, may I be aware of Your presence in very special ways during these Holy Days. May I be aware of the needs of those around me and be helpful not just by prayer but by my actions in words and deeds. Amen.

Sr. Lindora Cabral, RSM, Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees

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

When we think of the word ‘distress,’ a variety of interpretations come to mind. Distress can mean discomfort—something that challenges us or makes us feel anxious. I might say that a certain situation, like speaking in front of an audience or flying, makes me feel distressed.  Distress can also mean anguish or pain—whether that's physically or emotionally, it’s something that produces the sensation of agony. Today’s first reading from Jeremiah conveys this type of distress: the speaker is targeted by his former friends who seek to inflict vengeance upon him.

Someone once said to me: “Just because something feels distressful doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous.” In the moments where we feel overwhelmed and out of control, we may find peace in this idea; while we may feel uncomfortable, we are not necessarily in danger. Although it's important to recognize that distress resulting in physical implications can be dangerous, it is all the more essential to look at who is protecting us the entire time. We are safe because God is always with us; He holds us in the palm of His hand.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we sing out “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and He heard my voice.” Regardless of the severity of our distress, we know that we may call out to God; He heard us and will rescue us. Perhaps that saving is not in the manner we expect or want—it doesn’t mean that God is absent or that He is ignoring us. Instead, it shows that, even when we don’t understand God’s ways, He’s always working on our behalf.

What about the times in which we have nothing to call out? What about the moments when we are at a loss for words or our voice does not come? God is still listening. If the pain cuts so deeply that we cannot muster the right thing to say, God knows. Our hearts still cry out to Him. He knows how we feel, the hurt we are experiencing, the profound amount of distress we are encountering. He is there through it all, listening, comforting, and promising a hope for a better tomorrow.

Prayer

Lord, in moments of distress, regardless of severity, help me to always turn to You. Give me the right words when I lack them. Help me to remember that at all times I am safe with You. Amen.

Maddie Newman, ’20

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