Thursday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

“You shall not have strange gods before me.”  This is the first of the Ten Commandments. The message is reiterated in today’s first reading from Exodus.  In the modern world, the “strange gods” take many forms.  Material goods, worldly possessions, seem to take over our thoughts; our very lives sometimes. The need to acquire and take care of our “stuff” oftentimes does not allow us time for reflection or prayer.  Our phones and computers sound off their voices, demanding our attention like a spoiled child and we jump to respond without giving thought to our own need for quiet and contemplation.  The readings point out that “they [the Egyptians] exchanged their glory…they forgot the God who had saved them.”  Are we forgetting our God in exchange for MORE stuff or allowing all of the things that we already have to control us? Let us try putting things into perspective. If we are feeling overwhelmed, let’s step back and refocus. Let’s not forget our God. The Lenten season provides opportunities and reminders as to who God is and how we might reconnect. Listen to the words of the Lenten readings.  Moments of true silence might afford us opportunities for introspection and revelation.

Prayer

Dear God, help us to turn toward You and remember why Jesus died on the cross.  Help us to take time to think and pray as we go forward in this Lenten season.

 

Barbara Gaida, M‘01, Member of the Worshipping Community

 

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

I think we sometimes forget who God really is, or at the very least, what He is not. God is not Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny; He is not the tooth fairy, a genie, or a wizard. He does not bring presents or money, nor does He grant wishes. Sometimes we feel that God should — that we have been suffering and these boons would ease our pain and are well earned, but God doesn’t work like that. There are times when we feel we are driven to the steep cliff and rocky heights of a desolate mountain in a secular desert and scream and curse into the starry black abyss that God is a cruel hoax. And then we often fall. Many fall into disillusionment and self-gratification. We can sell ourselves lies about how our own happiness is the only thing we must strive for.  When we have fallen and hit rock bottom, we have the time to look back up to the stars and see the sun’s new ascent.  Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that He never acted in accord with His own will, but was fully obedient to the will of the Father. As Christians, we are called to be like Christ and make our lives humble sacrifices to God’s glory. That is not to say that everyone needs to be a martyr, nor that everyone needs to join a holy order, but that we act as though we are the living Christ because we are the living Christ. We cannot live a meaningful life if we act for ourselves first; we are taught the Our Father so we might learn to pray, and in that prayer we ask that “Thy will be done,” not “My will be done.” When we pray, it should be for grace in the moment, healing of others, peace for others, and that God’s will be done; after all, He has a better view of the situation.

Prayer

Lord of love and mercy, in my darkness, You have brought great light.  In my pain, You have brought me comfort, hope in my despair, faith in my doubt, and friendship amidst hatred. Pray, let all I meet know the warmth and peace of your love, if it is in accordance with Your will. Thank you Lord. Amen.

 

Shawn Ward, ‘15

 

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

God’s healing powers are infinite and immeasurable. We might try in our humanness to figure out the length and width of His enduring mercy. In all our fears, we might try to find some sort of holy equation. Yet, through each attempt, and every trial and through time, and through these Scriptures too, what we find is an ever present insistence to drop the measuring tape, the measuring cup, the saucer, and the spoon. Instead, we’re urged to go head first swimming in God’s holy waters. There’s no multiplication tables there. For it is water that is God’s love and it surrounds us through and in us.  And the healing fruits of God’s love, His holy feast, is to be celebrated and enjoyed.

Prayer

As we move through our human trials, may we listen first and hear God’s holy name. As we experience the constrictions of our human lives, may we hear God’s holy name and then be moved down deep into the overflowing waters. Let us deepen our trust in the mercy of the Lord as we swim in His holiness. May we then resurface and arise. Let us then celebrate His great goodness. Then we become His strength.  Then we become His holy namesake.   May we deepen this awareness through all time.  Amen. 

Toni Messuri, Director of Academic Support Services

 

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

Reflection

Could our faith be less about how we feel, and more about what we do?

In today’s Gospel reading, the nobleman who travels to request healing from Jesus for his fever stricken, dying little boy was desperate. He had heard about the ministry and miracles performed by Christ, and hoped for healing for his precious son. “Miracle” literally translated means, “a sign that points to God.” Jesus responds, “Your son lives” and the nobleman “went on his way.”  While this nobleman probably felt some uncertainty and doubt leaving, he later learns that his little boy’s fever “left him” at the exact hour that Jesus told him, “Your son lives.” This miracle points to a new beginning for the nobleman’s life. He now may believe not only what Jesus can do, but who Jesus is.

The prophet Isaiah and King David (likely author of Psalm 30), also point to new beginnings involving redemption, healing and God’s grace in today’s other readings.

Isaiah’s prophesy invites us into a vision of what life can be for God’s faithful people. That is, people who strive to choose love, life and light over fear, death and darkness. David’s song of praise for God in Psalm 30 reveals our ability to call for God’s help, and receive God’s grace, redemption and healing. In short, we are able to receive the miracle of transforming our “mourning to joyful dancing.” 

During this Lenten season, will it take a miracle for you to pursue a new beginning?

Prayer

Praise to you dear God for you have rescued us. Help our ability to make a new beginning of greater faithfulness to you.

Michael Samara, Former Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, ‘77-’12

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21

Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b

Gospel: John 4:43-54

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known narratives in the Bible. This story is presented after two other beautiful parables: the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. In all three parables, the theme of being lost and found followed by rejoicing is paramount. The story of the Prodigal or Lost Son appears only in Luke and it is a story that I am sure all of us can relate to given the complexities of family relationships.  This is a story of making poor choices and living with the consequences of those choices in regret, but it does not end there. Through the Grace of God, the son comes to his senses and discovers his own sin. He is then motivated to seek forgiveness. Before he has a chance to apologize, his father embraces him warmly and kisses him, welcoming him home. The elder son meanwhile observes all this rejoicing and is resentful. The nature of our God is revealed in the actions of the father. Despite reason to be angry with the son, the father does the exact opposite. There is a reversal of expectations here. The father rejoices in his lost son being found and throws a party. The repentant son then sees himself as a loved sinner and is able to move beyond his past mistakes. The elder son is reminded of the love the father has always showed him which perhaps was taken for granted.

As we make our own pilgrimage through the season of Lent, we can have confidence that when we return to the Lord acknowledging the mistakes we have made, we too will be warmly embraced by God and welcomed home. Like the repentant son, we will hopefully see ourselves as loved sinners. We should always take notice of the love that God has already shown us rather than take it for granted. Doing this will make our lives a new creation and empower us to be stronger ambassadors for Christ.

Prayer

Almighty God, give us the Grace to return to you and experience the warm embrace of your love. Amen.

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

Scripture 

First Reading: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

Psalm 34:2-7

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Saturday of the Third Week

Reflection

Why do we do what we do?  What is our motivation for doing it?  And, if we know or think that no one is watching us, would we do it in the same way?  These are the questions that today’s readings, especially the Gospel, caused me to reflect on.  They are important questions which each one of us must answer honestly and on a daily basis, but are especially appropriate during the Lenten season.

Daily we see many examples reported by the media of people, like the Pharisees, who appear to be doing good things but for selfish or wrong reasons. Although it is difficult for us to know or understand a person’s motivation for their actions, we sometimes learn the truth about their deeds and it is very disappointing.

As Christians, we are reminded often about the challenge of our original sin, inherited from Adam and Eve.  Just as they were tempted to act in ways contrary to God’s law because of their desire for greater power, we must guard ourselves from falling victim to the desires for recognition, fame, fortune and power for ourselves.  Let us take a moment today to examine our consciences to determine our motivations for our actions and remind ourselves that God is always watching us!

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to be honest with myself and others, the wisdom to discern what You truly desire me to do and the strength to do it.  Amen.

Jerry Flanagan, ‘71, Vice President for Admission and Enrollment Management 

Scripture

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6

Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21ab

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Friday of the Third Week

Reflection

Put God first and love others as yourself – the most important of the commandments. This commandment seems simple and straightforward, yet many people think that this commandment is too hard. They say people are too busy to pray and too busy to get to Mass. They think putting God first makes things too complicated.

It might be simpler if God had a Twitter account to send us daily messages. However, God sends us “tweets” all the time – when we see a sunrise or a sunset, snow-covered mountains, a baby’s smile or hearing a child laugh. All we need to do is respond, “Thanks God, I love you too.” It seems pretty simple.

When you love someone, you want to spend time with them talking, sharing a meal, and being nourished and strengthened. One can talk with God in prayer, come together in God’s name at Mass and be nourished by Christ in the Eucharist. It seems pretty simple.

In loving God, we respond out of love for God through our actions. In simple acts of kindness, one can bring God’s light into another’s darkened day. A simple act such as holding the door, saying thank you, asking someone how his/her day was and really listening to the answer or offering a hand to someone can provide a powerful message of God’s call to love and thus, His love for us. It seems pretty simple.

Love God completely and above all things. Love your neighbor as yourself. It really is that simple.

Prayer

God help me to remember how much I love You and give me the strength to show it to You in the way You deserve.

  

Lucia Thomas, ‘16

Scripture

First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10

Psalm 81:6c-11b, 14, 17

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website