Monday of the First Week

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle 

Reflection

In the Gospel reading for today, the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, we find that Jesus asks two questions of His disciples.  First, Jesus asks the disciples what people are saying about Him.  Second, Jesus puts the question more directly to the disciples by asking them what they believe about Him.  This prompts each of us to reflect on what we know about Jesus and then who we believe Jesus to be.  In the first instance, our faith may be only at the level of information, that is, what we say about Jesus and who we say Jesus to be.  In the second instance, however, faith takes on a more personal reality in that it brings us to the existential question of where or in whom we place our trust right now.

The questions that Jesus asks His disciples challenge us each day.  Our faith can become nothing more than the knowledge we have about who Jesus was and what He did, the stuff of textbooks or encyclopedias.  It is when we come to the second question that we begin to find ourselves called out to make a commitment and to choose a way of living.  In the end, we all need to realize that it is not what we know that will save us.  It is placing our lives in the hands of Jesus and walking the way of Jesus that leads to eternal life.

Prayer

Lord, we place our lives in Your hands this day and ask that You help us to follow Your way.  Help us to trust and believe in You as the Lord and Savior of our lives.  Amen

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

Scripture

First Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Psalm 23:1-3a-6

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 First Sunday of Lent

Reflection

And the angels ministered to Him…

There are many times this year where I have felt to be in the desert, or tempted by negativity and polarization in our world. Sometimes, I’ve even felt “among the wild beasts” as friends or co-workers express deep anger or fear on all sides of today’s issues. Each time, my own anxieties and doubts are triggered. How do we come back? Where is God in my own heart and in the hearts of God’s people? These questions lead me to greater awareness. I adjust my lens and recognize things that were previously going unnoticed: the soothing and wise words of an online yoga instructor, the uplifting kindness of my new online flute teacher, or even a commercial celebrating the determination of a Paralympic athlete. They are like angels ministering to me; kind and loving people who seem to see with the eyes of God. It reconnects me to all that is good and sacred. And from that place, I am able to find my way back to ministering to others.

Prayer

Spirit of Love, thank you for the angels in our lives, whether or not we notice them. May our desert experiences open our eyes to Christ’s presence in and around us and may we become kingdom-builders because of it.

Marianne Strayton, ’98

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15

Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading:  1 Peter 3:18-22

Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

The reading from the latter chapters of Isaiah, attributed to a disciple of the prophet Isaiah, continues the instruction begun in yesterday’s reading on the kind of “fasting” that is pleasing to the Lord. It turns the focus away from sackcloth and ashes, and provides food for thought as we begin the Lenten season.

The opening verse of the reading from Isaiah seems to have been written for our present moment in history, and it gives each of us our call:

Remove from your midst oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech. 

But oh how hard that is to do when people disagree on who is the oppressor and who is oppressed, who is lying and who is telling the truth. Where is the boundary between righteous anger and malice? On a national and worldwide scale, these issues bedevil us still, as they have over the centuries. In the midst of this, what is our calling? To recognize and name injustice when we see it; to do our best to determine the truth of situations we find ourselves in; to attempt to solve problems and differences without malice. We may not be able to do this on a global or national scale, but we can begin with our own lives and our circle of family and neighbors.

To do these things, we will need and we hope for what is promised to us:

He will renew your strength, and you shall be like…a spring whose water never fails. We need the wellspring of faith and hope in our God to bring healing to our world.

Looking at the scene at Levi’s house, one can imagine the contrast between Levi, the brand-new disciple joyfully introducing Jesus to his friends at a banquet, and the cynical Pharisees stuck in their self-righteousness. Who are “the sick” and the sinners in this story? Who needs the healing but is not even aware of their needfulness?

Prayer

Lord, teach me Your way.  I recognize that I need Your presence in my life to give me strength and hope. Help me to speak honestly without malice, to work against injustice and to bring Your joy and Your peace to those I encounter.  Amen.

Zsuzsanna Kadas, P’13, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics

Scripture
First Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14

Psalm 86:1-6

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

On this first Friday after Ash Wednesday, the Scripture creates space to guide and plan our Lenten journeys. In particular, the reading and Gospel brings the importance of fasting into focus.  Much like the disciples of John who came to Jesus in the Gospel to question how and when to fast, we as a people of faith are in need of guidance. In the Lenten season, material goods or habits are often given up as a means of fasting and preparation. Too often though, what is being given up supersedes in our minds the vital why of the act. For this reason, the good word today brings forth a message and spirit of intentionality to help guide not only our fasting but our Lenten journey as a whole.

In the first reading, we hear explicitly that the Lord calls us to action. In our fast, He desires us to not simply sacrifice our own desires but rather to give of ourselves in service. Whether it be feeding the hungry or supporting the oppressed, it is important to move beyond ourselves as we engage with fasting. Moving outwards and away from simply just giving up something enjoyable is a way to bring into light the service and sacrifice of Jesus. Not only do we serve others, but we are also serving Him. Even amidst a pandemic and the many restrictions it brings, there are ways to still act. These actions can be as simple as calling up a friend you know is lonely and struggling or checking in on an elderly neighbor. 

Instead of absentmindedly going through the motions this Lenten season, challenge yourself to action and do so with a mindful heart. For it is through these focused efforts that we not only better our relationship with the Lord, but we mentally and spiritually prepare for the great sacrifice of His Son at the end of the Lent.

Prayer

Loving God, let us praise You and embark upon this Lenten season with driven minds and intentional hearts. 

Emily Murray, ’21

Scripture
First Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a
Psalm 51:3-6a, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Reflection

On initial glance, Moses’ message may seem harsh and perhaps unforgiving: “I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.” This is definitely an intimidating ultimatum. But in actuality, as he continues his speech, he offers a simple path for life and prosperity. We need to love the Lord, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. As we prepare for our Lenten observances, it is important to keep these three points in mind. “Choose life,” Moses tells us, and we will take part in the feast of Eternal Life. By choosing Jesus Christ over the temptations of sin and evil, we thereby choose life.

But what exactly does it mean to walk in Jesus’ way? Luke’s Gospel visualizes Moses’ plea. We are called to take up our cross and follow Christ. This is especially important to remember not only during this Lenten season, but also in today’s world. We have witnessed much suffering over the past year due to the coronavirus. Many of us may have lost a loved one or know someone who has lost a loved one. Today, and every day, we need to bear our crosses and follow Jesus. Listen to your neighbor, have patience with one another, extend a helping hand. Do what makes you uncomfortable. Only then will we eagerly await the coming of our Lord. 

Prayer

Loving and Merciful God, allow us to bear our crosses and humbly serve one another this Lenten season. May You grant us the courage to follow You on this journey to Eternal Life.

James A. Downs, ’22

Scripture

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Ash Wednesday

Reflection

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important opportunity to reflect, pray, and prepare for Easter. Receiving ashes today is a humble reminder of our sins, but also God’s mercifulness and forgiveness.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls upon us by saying “When you give alms...  When you pray… When you fast…” and this really resonated with me. Jesus wasn’t saying if you do these things, it’s when you do these things, it is a call to action and it's to do them for yourself to move closer to God, not for show. This made me reflect on when the last time was that I contributed to those in need or sat down and deeply prayed. Oftentimes, I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life, and I forget to take a moment to myself to pray deeply, to think about how I can live out the Gospel, and tune into God. This is not an excuse, but a realization to continue strengthening my relationship with God even in the toughest of times. I am taking this Lenten season to develop a stronger connection with prayer through different means and find more ways to give my time and resources to others.

Lent provides us with an opportunity to start or restart our faithful ambitions. If we seem to wander away from our path, the first reading reminds us we can always return to the Lord with our whole heart. Today, as we begin our Lenten journey, let us be reminded that Jesus died for our sins, and that we should be engaged in strengthening our faith and moving towards God’s calling for us.

Prayer

Merciful God, cleanse us from our sins and forgive us as we grow closer to You through giving, fasting, and prayer. Amen. 

Alexandria Lembo, ’21

Scripture

First Reading: Joel 2:12-18

Psalm 51:3-6b, 12-14, 17

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

 Join us on a Lenten Journey…

Lent is an incredible gift to us. Some of us receive it with eagerness as a time of healing and growth; others receive it with trepidation of the challenges and sacrifices that Lent can pose; still others receive it with indifference.  And yet regardless of where we are in our spiritual journeys, we are all given an opportunity during these 40 days to turn our hearts back towards God and deepen our relationship with God and others in a special way.  It offers a chance to take time to reflect on our lives and renew our commitment to open our hearts to God through prayer.

With this in mind, the students, faculty, staff, and members of the Saint Michael’s College worshipping community have come together to offer their reflections on the daily Scripture readings and what they are saying to us in our lives today...how they challenge and encourage us to feel God’s presence, love, and forgiveness each day during this sacred time. Each day of Lent, there will be a new reflection on this blog, based on the Scripture readings of the day, from Ash Wednesday through Easter. We encourage you to join us on a Lenten journey of reflecting and praying with us through this site.

We hope that these reflections are ones that inspire and help you grow deeper in your prayer life during the journey of Lent as we prepare for the Resurrection of Christ Jesus!  May we be inspired to open our eyes and see God’s deep, unconditional love present in our lives.

Please note that these reflections are not intended to represent theological views or statements by Edmundite Campus Ministry or Saint Michael’s College, but rather are a compilation of reflections as written by members of the campus and wider community of worshippers.