Friday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me;
But if I perform them, even if you do not believe, believe my works…”

The end of Lent is fast approaching, and soon we will be celebrating the victory of Easter.  

Each one of our readings today, from the Prophet, Jeremiah, and the Gospel of Saint John, tell of a person of God who clearly understands that true glory depends on their faithful witness to God.  

Jeremiah and Jesus are first pictured facing conflict. For Jeremiah, even some erstwhile friends keep watch “for any misstep,” in order to trap him, “and take vengeance on him.” As for Jesus, his adversaries have “picked up rocks to stone him.” Obviously, both persons of God have said and done something that has called into question the status quo religious standards commonly accepted in their time.

Still, Jeremiah and Jesus appear as persons who “know their trade,” if you will. It is not only a matter of sticking to your guns in your convictions. What they stand for is based on an unshakable faith in God: Jeremiah, “The LORD is with me;” Jesus: “I have shown you many good works from my Father.  For which of these are you trying to stone me?”

Lastly, the promise of Easter is veiled in the words and deeds of the holy person. Jeremiah speaks, “For [the LORD] has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked.” As for Jesus, some had come to “understand that the Father is me and I am in the Father,” and that the works he performed witness to the truth about what John the Baptist had said of him.

Prayer

Gracious God, send us your Holy Spirit of faithfulness, so that the offering of our heart, mind, and person may be “a bowing down in your presence” to your commandment to love you above all else and our neighbor as ourselves. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, your Son, our risen Lord.  Amen.

Fr. Marcel Rainville, S.S.E. ’67, Edmundite Campus Ministry

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

Reflection

This man Jesus is saying I’ll never see death if I keep his word. Oh, how I want to believe him, but those around me are calling him a liar, even possessed!  

Some of them are picking up stones. Should I join them? What will they think if I don’t? After all, this man challenges so many of the rules that I’ve learned and followed all my life. Who is he to challenge the way we live?

But his message resonates with me. All he’s asking of us is to seek and to serve the Lord constantly, as was written in the Psalms. It’s so simple! But it’s also more challenging than just following the law.  

It’s so easy to think that the universe revolves around us, and our time, now. But when I think of all those generations between Abraham and us, and all of those yet to come, I realize just how small each of us is. Still, we can each play our small part in God’s plan by keeping His covenant throughout the ages. This man Jesus is inviting me to do just that. 

Could he really be the one the prophets have spoken of for generations? Could he be the son of God?   My heart says yes!

Prayer

Ever-living God, open my ears to hear your voice today, and soften my heart so that I may respond to your call to seek and to serve.  Amen.

Rick Cote, '89, Member of Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9

Psalm 105:4-9

Gospel: John 8:51-59

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Wednesday of the Fifth Week

Reflection

The truth will set you free…

This line from today’s Gospel is a powerful one, both personally and on a greater social scale. There is so much that binds me and stifles me, my own sin that trips me up and separates me from God.  Some of this binding is done to me, but much of it is self-imposed, so wrapped up that I can’t see the truth and beauty, the mercy and compassion, that God offers to me. Lent provides a time to see the truth of God – the deep, unconditional love through Jesus – and to let go of the things that are binding me. And the truth is, this love that God offers dwells within each of us, and when we come to embrace this truth, it frees us to offer this love to others.

On communal level, there is also so much that binds us. Social and racial injustice, harm to Creation, violence and harm and discord between us. The way and path towards healing is difficult and hard. As we struggle towards extending love and compassion to those around us, we need to try to recognize the truth of how we are extending harm to one another and this frees us to turn towards reconciliation and healing instead.

When I reflect on our first reading of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walking into the hot, fiery furnace, I’m inspired by their incredible trust in God. They walked in freedom despite the “fire” they were thrust into because they knew the truth of God – that their God of mercy, love, and compassion would be with them. May this Lent be a time for us to embrace the truth and walk in freedom.

Prayer

Merciful God, help us let go of the things that bind us and give us the courage to stand up for what is right and true.  May we trust that You will be with us, even among the “fires” in our lives. Let us remain in Your word as true disciples. Amen.

Anna Lester, ’98, M’11, Office of Admissions

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

Believe that I am He.

Simple and profound.  Generalizable although rich in specificity. Accessible and immediate yet impossible to ever fully comprehend. Today’s Gospel passage is for both the beginner and for the mature in faith. Surely this is “the Good News,” for the Gospels meet us wherever we are at in our faith journeys. Today is no different. The reading today meets us right here where we are and challenges us to go deeper and wider in our love and understandings. We can grow old in knowing ever more about the inexhaustible truth in this Gospel set forth by John.

John’s Gospel conveys two truths: the truth about Jesus Christ and the truth about humankind. It is essential that we grow in understanding these two truths. 

Today we learn that the more we come to know Jesus the Son of God and Jesus the Son of Man, and the more we come to know our humble selves in relation to Our Lord Jesus Christ, then we will move ever closer to the Living Waters. Ultimately our human condition, our utter dependence, demands that we grow to know Him in both His glory and humanity.

Prayer

Dear Lord, oh my Beloved Heaven and Earth, may I go and ever grow into knowing all of who You are.  You are my One and Only, my Loving and Living Savior. May I continue to come to know and to love You every minute of every hour of every day for all of my life. May I rest in You. Amen.

Antonia Messuri

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

In today’s readings, we have two different women accused of adultery and nearing execution. The first woman, Susanna, we read is a blameless victim of vile treachery. The second woman, at the Mount of Olives, we read has been caught in the act. Both women are spared execution very differently but nonetheless through the mercy of God, both women are spared when God reminds those involved of their own shortcomings.

For Susanna, God has young Daniel open the crowd’s eyes to the sins of the treacherous judges through the misuse of rules and laws. When the judges met the fate they had conspired to bring about for Susanna, our old covenant (Mosaic Law) relationship with God was displayed.

For the woman at the Mount of Olives, Jesus opened the crowd’s eyes not by unveiling the actions of vile judges, but by changing hearts. When each stone remained harmlessly upon the dirt and Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.”, our new covenant (transformational love) relationship with God was displayed.

Prayer

Holy Father, God of Mercy,
Give us eyes to see the sin in our lives,
Give us the desire in our hearts to seek forgiveness from it,
Strengthen us to live righteously and sin no more.
Give us compassion when we encounter others,
And may we always be bearers of Your grace and mercy.
Amen.

Chad McEachern, ’91, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

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

Psalm 23:1-6

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Reflection

“Lazarus come out.” Today we hear of Jesus giving life itself to someone who died. This is a sign of the Resurrection Power of Jesus. It is meant to be a reality in our lives.

The process of moving from death to Resurrection is going on in our lives at every moment. God calls us from death to life and sometimes God asks us to call others out of the tomb. These are the dynamics of living Resurrection Faith. This is the faith that helped me come out of the tomb created by Hurricane Ian. Our Resurrection Faith helped me know that the destruction of Ian would not be the final word in this experience. People from all over the world, including St. Michael’s College, reached out to help us and made God’s loving presence real to us. 

Hearing the words, How can I help, brought light into our darkness. They were Jesus calling us to come out of the tomb. This is God’s Resurrection Power acting to build a new world within us and around us. This is our Resurrection Hope. This is the faith that opens us up to face any fear or anxiety with genuine hope in the Lord’s promise to be with us always.

Prayer

Let us pray.  God help me to hear your voice calling me from death to life.  Help me to let go of my fear and anxiety and help me grow in hope as I prepare for Easter. Amen

Fr. Stanley Deresienski, S.S.E.,’75, Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees

Scripture

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 130:1-8

Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: John 11:1-45

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Saturday of the Fourth Week

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Reflection

The Responsorial Psalm says, “Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me.”

In the Gospel of Luke, we hear of the angel Gabriel announcing God’s plan to Mary, her reaction, and responses in a few brief paragraphs. Let us not get caught up in today’s reality of instant text messages and responses and be taken in by the simplicity of Mary’s monumental decision. There are key phrases like “greatly troubled,” “how can this be, since I have no relations with a man.”  And the angel Gabriel said to her “do not be afraid, you have found favor with God” and “the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”

Do not be afraid!  Being very young and going to have a baby out of wedlock?  Wondering how she was going to tell her parents, Joseph, friends, and the reactions from those she loved, and rejected and shamed by all who would judge and shun her.

Do you think she wasn’t afraid?  Do you think she said OK, let it be done to me according to your word?  Or do you think she pondered this for days, with sleepless nights, loss of appetite, pacing and wringing of hands, and throughout this time praying and reflecting to have “ears open to obedience you gave me”?

Ears of the soul!  With an accepting and trusting heart that Mary developed, she was then able to say, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.”“

Prayer

O God, grant us ears of the soul to say “yes” to bringing your son, Jesus, to all peoples and creation. Amen.

Sr. Laura Della Santa, RSM, M’84

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

 

Friday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” This refrain in today’s Psalm 34 offers us hope and consolation on our Lenten Journey. Who of us has not had times of feeling brokenhearted and crushed in spirit? Perhaps we experienced a serious illness or faced losses of many kinds, e.g. death of a loved one, changes in relationships. Our daily news confronts us with violent happenings in our world and the killing of many innocent people. We may cry out in anguish, and the psalmist assures us that God hears us.

We notice in countless encounters Jesus had with people his love and compassion. Those crushed in spirit listened to him and experienced his healing presence in their lives. They knew in their hearts that Jesus was from God and of God. In our Gospel today, although a risky journey, Jesus goes to Jerusalem to celebrate the Grape Harvest, the Feast of Tabernacles. But not all gathered believed Jesus was of God and were interested in getting rid of him. “Their wickedness blinded them.” A premonition of their action is found in our reading today from the Book of Wisdom. “They tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his time had not come.”

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on our blindness at times. Do we make time in prayer to listen as well as express our brokenness with God? Can we trust God’s response that often comes in surprising ways in our lives? Can we trust that God is with us on our journey through life in its most challenging times?

Prayer

May I be awake with eyes wide open to your loving, compassionate presence as I face broken heartedness in my life. Amen.

Sr. Ann Duhaime, RSM, Member of Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Thursday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

It is powerful to pause and consider our interconnectedness. Our lives and stories find places of overlap in direct and indirect ways that can often serve as reminders of how deeply we impact one another. Sharing our gifts of perspective can be grounding and incredibly significant, sometimes more so than we realize in the moment. As I read and reread today’s first reading and responsorial psalm I was struck by the influence of Moses’ words and remembering of the LORD. Moses’ choice to ask a question and to bring back into consciousness a promise shifted the outcome of a whole people. His willingness to lean in and speak offered a pause and an opportunity to listen and then lead with mercy and love. 

 

The messages of today’s readings offer such a beautiful reminder and invitation. I find myself reminded of a series of important perspectives and invited to both openly receive and gracefully offer each in the spaces of my own life. This exchange between Moses and God speaks loudly to me that encouragement is valuable, supports are necessary, we need reminders, accountability is significant, silence can be hurtful, love is powerful, and that God always remains present. In these prayerful and reflective moments of Lent, I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear these messages again and to hold them close with intention.

Prayer

Gracious God, fill us with hope and grant us the grace to be touched by your presence. Amen.

Lara Scott, MOVE

Scripture

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23
Gospel: John 5:31-47

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Wednesday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

Today we read multiple accounts of the Lord’s mercy, forgiveness and compassion for all. In the first reading we read, “…Come out!,…Show yourselves!” The Lord is offering comfort to all of His people, including those who have fallen short of God’s will and have found themselves as prisoners of the law. The responsorial psalm repeats, “The Lord is gracious and merciful”, echoing the Lord’s forgiveness which raises the fallen to Him and reminds us that no one is to be denied of the Lord. 

This notion that our Lord continues to forgive those who have fallen short leads me to a specific part of the Gospel passage. Jesus is expressing the “Rule of Love” over the “Rule of Law”. He is being criticized for performing a miracle on the sabbath, a day dedicated to rest, but assures the people that what He does has been done by the Father. The line that sticks out to me the most is, “Whoever does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father who sent him.”

 If we deny Christ and his action/will, or deny others of the compassion of Christ, we are not living as God intended. Jesus alone can judge, with compassion for those who seek Him, as is the will of the Father who sent him. We must remember that human law is not always in accordance with the will of God and that His Love for us triumphs over the evils and failures we endure. If we remember to seek God in our daily lives, and to live as Christ taught us to live, leaving judgement for him, we will see more clearly the mercy, forgiveness, and compassion he promises.

Prayer

Lord God, guide us to seek Your compassion and to help raise to You the fallen among us. We all fall short of Your will, so lead us to offer others the same compassion You offer us. For no one gets to the Father except through You, help us to stop denying others the opportunity to know you. Amen.

Ryan Hay, ’19, MOVE

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15

Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18

Gospel: John 5:17-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Tuesday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

The first reading paints a picture of abundant life, movement, and nourishment stemming from a source of water flowing from the temple of the Lord. Ezekiel is guided by the angel along the path laid out by the trickle of water, which slowly but steadily grows into a stream, then a river, then opens up into the vast ocean. It is the mixing of the fresh river water and salty ocean water that creates an ecosystem dense with nutrients establishing a sanctuary for all kinds of freshwater and marine animals, plants, and birds. The estuary is a magical place for the diversity of life to live, grow, and prosper, “...fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail,”. The perpetual health of this thriving ecosystem brings about the essence of the Garden of Eden. 

In addition to this pristine imagery, the symbolism stretches further as the water from the temple not only supports life itself, but brings about products that are life-giving. The fruit from the trees will serve as food for the community, and their leaves will be made into medicine to continue to spread the healing that is made possible from the source of water, which represents the sustenance and life force that comes from a strong foundation of faith. Faith itself is life-giving, and its power to bring communities together against adversity and to heal sorrows and souls is as deep as the river that created the Eden-like environment in the first reading. 

Prayer

Lord, may we remember and honor the abundance of your love and the power of faith to heal, sustain, and strengthen our community. Amen.

Vicky Castillo, ’20, MOVE

Scripture

First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 5:1-16

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Monday of the Fourth Week

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflection

“’For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus’” -- the angel’s words to Joseph, from the choice of Matthew as the gospel reading.  And from the choice of Luke’s -- “He went down with them [Joseph and Mary] and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.”  

For both Matthew and Luke, angelic messengers affirm the virginal conception of Mary’s child. And for both also, Joseph is to be known as Jesus’ father. Jesus “son of Joseph,” Jesus “son of the carpenter.”  He grows up so called. For Joseph, in naming him, claimed him in law, and by that law claimed for Jesus Joseph’s own descent from David the King. So “Jesus, son of David,” also.  

There is something very Lenten in all of this: the mystery and glory and ages-long preparation of the Incarnation clothed in the humility and everydayness of life in an obscure village and an artisan’s cottage/workshop. Jesus would pass 90% of his life there. The humility of this, and it’s wonder, should absolutely astound us!

Prayer

Gracious God, Jesus’ Father who shared that fatherhood with Joseph carpenter of Nazareth:  grant us, through his patronage, a share in his faith and humility.  Amen.

Fr. Richard Berube, SSE

Scripture

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reflection

On this fourth Sunday of Lent we are called to rejoicing: “Rejoice, Jerusalem and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning.” Now that we have passed the midpoint of the penitential season, and as in nature we approach the Spring equinox, this “Rejoicing” Sunday turns our minds toward Easter light and joy. 

The light motif is merged with that of sight—physical or natural sight, and spiritual or supernatural sight: “Not as man sees does God see,” the Lord said to Samuel. It is encouraging to know that even a man as worthy as Jesse cannot “see” at first what God is doing through his youngest son, David, right before his eyes; also to know that even one as eager to cooperate with Jesus as is “the man blind from birth” must go through a rather lengthy—and at times even comical—process to first experience the gift of sight; to discern the source of the gift; to recognize and bear witness to Jesus as a prophet; and finally to see and embrace Jesus as Lord. 

It may be that God bestows the gift of sight on us only gradually, only when and as we are able handle it, as in the case of Jesse. It may be that God, in his infinite patience, chooses to wait until we can have the satisfaction of working some things out for ourselves—always, of course, under the influence of grace.

Prayer

The following lines are from a hymn by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908), always a favorite prayer of mine:

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes . . .
All laud we would render: O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

Fr. David Cray, SSE, ‘68

Scripture

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Psalm 23:1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

Gospel: John 9:1-41

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Saturday of the Third Week

Reflection

Today we are reminded of the healing powers of God, as well as our desire to get to know and develop a relationship with God. We should strive to turn over our wounds and brokenness to God trusting that God will heal them and knowing that God heals pain we can’t seem to overcome on our own. 

God has experienced all that we endure in the person of Jesus and is present to help us bear and move beyond our pain. We must be willing to stay in God’s presence and trust God’s timing. God may choose to heal us gradually, forcing us to learn that the real blessing of healing is not only in the outcome, but lies in the process of being healed. God’s timeline for healing might not make sense to us. God chooses the time, place, and the way our healing occurs. Some healing is instant, unexplainable and when we least expect it. 

We must be honest with ourselves in admitting our sins as we turn to God in repentance. When we humble our hearts and place our trust in God for healing, we will receive God’s grace and experience a peace which surpasses all understanding. 

We also must not forget to return to God with prayers of thanksgiving when we are healed and to glorify God for the gifts of mercy and forgiveness. For it is God’s love and compassion that truly makes us whole again. 

Prayer

Merciful God, be near to us in times of weakness and pain. Sustain us with your grace and heal us according to Your will. Fill us with peace and joy which is made possible through You alone. May everyone who is enduring rough waters, be made still. May everyone who is broken, be healed. May everyone who strays from You, know the comfort of Your abiding presence. Amen.

Felicia Fil, '24

Scripture

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21b
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB we    bsite