2022 Lenten Reflections

Lenten Reflections

Welcome and Prayer During the pandemic, BC High showed the strength of praying and being together as a community of faith. We want to continue this solidarity during this Ignatian Year by joining together in prayer during Late Lent, Holy Week, and the Octave of Easter. We compiled this booklet which contains reflections of different voices and experiences so we may remain in a form of communal prayer during our year’s holiest moments.

Our booklet is comprise of three parts: Part I: Reflections on one’s experience of a Jesuit, Catholic school Part II: Gospel reflections on the Passion narratives of Holy Week Part III: Gospel reflections on the meaning and significance of Christ’s Easter victory.

We invite you to pray along with us during these sacred times, and, as always, we ask God to bless you, your loved ones, and all who are in need of our prayerful support.

God bless, Fr. John Predmore, SJ Prayer for an Ignatian Lent Loving God, you gave Ignatius a vision, a mission, and a prayer for the world. Help us to advance his dream for the world’s healing and grace.

Increase our desire and ability to become people “with” and “for” others so that we may love and see the world as God loves and sees the world. Inspire us to live boldly with hearts and minds attuned to your compassion and mercy. Give us the discernment to make the right choices that bring about your greater glory. As we await our redemption, Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.

Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our lives, so your work may be done through our good works.

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Five hundred years ago, the young Ignatius of Loyola began his conversion experience after being wounded in a military battle in Pamplona, Spain. Ignatius eventually founded the Jesuits and devised a program of praying called The Spiritual Exercises. BC High celebrates our Ignatian tradition this year with a series of programs designed to honor our Jesuitinspired ministries within the BC High community. We feel blessed in many ways with so many dedicated students who are able to develop their gifts and talents through the guidance of a highly-committed faculty and staff. We are able to express our faith through many charisms and experiences, and we want to express our thanks to you through this booklet of prayer for the sacred seasons of Holy Week and Easter. Please join us in prayer each day, and know that we will keep you in prayer as a gift to one another. We are filled with gratitude for your prayerful support.

- Grace Cotter Regan P'12, President

Lent is a season of preparation and reflection. It is a most significant period in the church year. Therefore, as a Catholic school centered on Christ, Lent is a particularly important time at BC High. I am thankful to Fr. Predmore for providing the opportunity for members of our BC High community to share their experience. I also want to thank those who shared. The sharing of experience is central to Ignatian spirituality and our formation in a Jesuit school. I am certain that the reflections shared here will help guide our own prayer and contemplation during this Lenten season, and bring us closer to Christ.

- Adam Lewis, Principal

Part I – Being at a Jesuit, Catholic School April 3 – Fifth Sunday of Lent – What it is like to be a senior in a Jesuit, Catholic school?

Coming to BC High in freshman year, I was not sure what to expect from the community. I had attended a small Catholic school in my town, however I identify as an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. To be quite honest, I did not expect BC High to truly embody the values it claimed. Four years later, I find myself integrated into the school’s community. I’ve learned from practices such as Examen and Kairos that Jesuit values transcend denominations and religions. Not only do the students embody the mission statement, but the faculty also promote these virtues within and outside the classroom. Attending BC High has brought me closer to God and others, and I have cultivated my head, hands and heart with the assistance of my peers and the faculty. - Wuhib Soloman '22

April 4 - Fifth Monday of Lent What it is like to be an administrator in a Jesuit, Catholic School?

Being an administrator in a Jesuit, Catholic school is unique because of the ability to explicitly integrate faith into all that we do. From reading and discussing our Catholic teachings or exploring topics of social justice in the formal curriculum to participating in programs in the extended curriculum (community service, retreats, athletics, global experiences, etc.), we have the ability to approach everything through the context of our Jesuit foundation. And, it is heartening to know that we do this work in kinship with students, faculty, and staff from all over the world, creating the realization that our work at just one school is part of something much larger.

- Dr. Charlie Drane, Vice President for Enrollment Management

April 5 – Fifth Tuesday of Lent The value of a Jesuit education to me?

When reflecting upon my Jesuit education during Lent, April 5th’s readings remind me that even though I may feel dissatisfied and annoyed in studying for tests or working on homework, my attendance of BC High is a privilege and should be treated as a gift. Through my education at BC High, I have made dozens of friendships, and gained new passions for topics like reading novels and writing poetry. Though the BC High curriculum is challenging, it is the teachers who make BC High special. I have never met people more dedicated and caring, many of whom have great senses of humor. - Tyler Kwong '23 April 6 – Fifth Wednesday of Lent The value of a Catholic education to me.

The importance of Catholic education is something that I personally cannot put into words. Starting every day with a prayer coming either from a fellow student or an administrator shows me how blessed I am to be coming to a prestigious school like BC High, learning how to be a man for others. The Christian Thought class during freshman year taught me the life of Ignatius, and how to practice Ignatian spirituality in my everyday life. Scripture class this year has taught me the importance of the stories I was told was I was growing up, teaching me how to live a life that models the one of Jesus, and how to act positively in situations of distress. - Christian Salvador '24

April 7 – Fifth Thursday of Lent What I like about being in a Jesuit, Catholic school.

With so many people and experiences that have enriched and blessed my thirty eight years of Catholic school teaching, I was having difficulty composing a reasonably coherent response to this question. However, in the beautiful tranquility of the BC High chapel, the Gospel reading on Monday, March 5 suddenly brought clarity. In this passage (Matthew 25: 31-46), Jesus gives us the powerful words of, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The sincerity and timelessness of Catholic Jesuit schools are crystallized in this wonderful passage. We work in an environment that in its essence strives to live through Jesus Christ, to take the Gospels not just an interesting collection of stories, but instead to actually LIVE out this Word. How many workplaces can state that as their mission statement?

- Jack Travers, Social Studies

April 8 – Fifth Friday of Lent I’m not Catholic, but I’m at a Catholic school.

I’m no stranger to attending a Catholic school while not being Catholic. I’ve been at BC High since 7th grade, and before that I went to a small Catholic elementary school called St. Bridget’s School. It’s never bothered me attending a Catholic school while not being Catholic. Often I find it enriching to be able to observe and participate in Catholic traditions. Being raised Christian, there are several similarities between my faith and the Catholic faith, so understanding the Catholic tradition has never been hard for me.

I’m still able to resonate with the teachings and apply them to my own life, which is something I’ve really grown to appreciate during my time at BC High. - Denzel Cofie ‘23

April 9 - Fifth Saturday of Lent I’m a person of color at a Jesuit school.

In my eyes, this Gospel reading sets the stage for both Jesus’ death and resurrection. As the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas voiced what many Jewish authorities were thinking: Jesus had to die.

Caiaphas essentially justified this course of action by stating that it was better for one man to die rather than have the nation of Israel torn apart—even though, in the end, Jesus died for the sake of unity. From the audience’s perspective, we know what happens next. Jesus will be tried, sentenced to death, and crucified on the cross. Yet, it is up to us as to how we respond. Will we walk with Jesus or will we turn our back on Him? The choice is ours. - Jason Bbosa '22

Part II: Reflection on the Holy Week Gospels April 10 - Palm Sunday Luke 22:14-23:56, The Passion Narrative by Luke Growing up, I remember being impatient to stand up, to release my energy, and to hold my hand out with my mother’s for the Our Father. While waiting for that moment, I remember being awed by the gold and the proclaiming chimes. Yet it always became sad when I realized that Christ died to sacrifice Himself. In these passages, I see how Christ felt agony before Judas’ betrayal, yet He never faltered to comfort those around Him. I view my mother in these chapters, for she both expressed pain and comfort in raising me in the United States. - Christian Topinio ‘23

April 11 - Monday of Holy Week John 12:1-11, The woman with perfume One of the two "great commandments" Jesus taught us was, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." In John 12:1-11, Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil and anointed Jesus' feet.

Judas questioned Mary's decision of using it on Jesus' feet rather than selling it for money, however, Mary carried on. In the face of adversity, we should not be challenged from reaching out to help others. Jesus suffered and died for us, putting himself before others. When we act out in service of others, we teach others to do the same, forming unbreakable bonds. -Andrew Nguyen ‘22

April 12 - Tuesday of Holy Week John 13:21-33, 36-38, The Supper and the Betrayal prediction Personally, I do not read scripture that often, but I do find Scripture meaningful. After reading this passage, the first line surprised me because Jesus, the Son of God and a man who has cured many persons of their ailments, was feeling troubled. I believe it is to remind us that Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine. That he lived life and grew up with emotions, just like we are today. In the last lines, 36-38, we read Peter’s denial predicted. This is to remind us that failure is a reality of life, however, we learn from our failures and strive forward still. - Andrew Johnson ‘22

April 13 - Spy Wednesday Matthew 26:14-25, The Betrayal The Gospel passage, The Betrayal, shows the importance of loyalty in humanity. What makes humanity so special is the social aspect that every human requires to survive. This builds a community within humanity that can only be reinforced through loyalty. When Jesus built his community of disciples, he was saddened to tell his disciples of a person who would betray that community for their personal gain.

Jesus says, “woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.“ His words strike deep into the hearts of his disciples, including Judas the betrayer, to the point where Judas hanged himself upon learning of Jesus’ crucifixion. Relationships are not meant to be betrayed as they feed our minds joy and fill our hearts with love. - Kyle Espinosa '22

April 14 - Maundy Thursday John 13:1-15, The Foot Washing This passage of Jesus cleaning the feet of his disciples before his imminent doom can be connected to many aspects of my life at BC High as well as my life outside of school. Jesus’s message was that we need to be willing to lend ourselves to any position as a way of leading by example. He told Peter that he would understand why later, teaching us that even in times of uncertainty, we must continue to lead by example in hope of the future. So, as a senior at BC High and a member of my surrounding community, I must always remember to clean the feet of others as a way of leading others towards a better future. - Colton Begley '22

April 15 - Good Friday John 18:1-19:42, The Passion narrative by John Growing up in a Catholic family Lent was always a positive time for me. Between the excitement of getting ashes on my forehead or getting to hold a palm, I did not quite understand the whole tradition, but I was aware that this was a special time. What has always stood out to me was the colors of Lent.

Between the soft purple robes the dragged along the alter or the vibrant yellows and pink of painting Easter eggs, Easter was always a bright time for me. Now Easter is still a bright time for me, but a time where I focus on my inward colors rather than the ones around me. I feel that Lent is a great time to slow down and reflect on myself, taking time to see where I want to go compared to where I’m going. - Myles Kirby '22

April 16 - Holy Saturday – (Vigil) Luke 23:1-12, Why seek the Living among the dead?

“Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” The women who went to anoint Jesus’s body asked a legitimate question. Yet even in their curiosity, they had faith.

God had already answered their concern. They asked this question aloud and within their hearts and He answered them. These women’s faith overrode their fear and God rewarded them. In this Easter season, we are to exert our faith over our fears. We must trust God’s plan and believe in His resurrection. Jesus crushed death and is victorious over death. Let us share in His victory like these women and profess that He Is Risen. - Kevin Camy '22

Part III: Reflections on the Easter Week Gospels April 17 - Easter Sunday John 20:1-9, Mary Magdalene at the Tomb John 20:1-9 is a fascinating Gospel reading for me as a reflection of the incomprehensibility of God. Like the 2-dimensional shapes in Flatland: The Movie who fail to see that something greater exists beyond our understanding, we can only guess at God's plan for our lives, and in this reading, that of Jesus. When the disciples of Jesus (Mary of Magdala included) come to see Jesus' abandoned tomb, their eyes are opened to a little bit more of God's grace, and they finally begin to understand the plan for Jesus to die in order to save the sins of the world. I see this as only a small (yet vitally important) glimpse into God's kingdom. Because we are fundamentally human, we are incapable of fully understanding God's timelessness, and it is only at such a critical moment, like the resurrection of Christ, that our eyes are opened a little bit wider to His grace. - Nicholas Bezzerides ’23

April 18 - Easter Monday Matthew 28:8-15, Meet me in Galilee One of the core tenets that make up how we understand God is how close we are, yet how far we are from ever truly comprehending God. As the disciples left the tomb, they felt joy hearing news of Jesus’ resurrection, yet they harbored fear from not being able to understand what they had just seen. We should not be put off by the fact that we cannot understand the wonders of God, but rather revel in the solace that is knowing he cares for us and gave his life so that we may live fulfilling lives spreading the Good News. Much like the disciples, we must keep going in life, no matter how hard or confusing it may seem, because our purpose is to heal and help the world. - John Forry '22

April 19 - Easter Tuesday John 20:11-18, Magdalene, I have seen the Lord The story of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene is a small one that tells us a lot about our relationship with God. Mary was in pain because she thought that Jesus was gone. Even when Jesus appeared to Mary, she did not immediately recognize or hear his voice. This story takes on meaning for our relationships with God, especially in difficult times. Though the world, filled with suffering and violence, may seem godless, God is still right in front of us.

This passage challenges us to open our eyes and ears and to look for God." - Mark Metri '22

April 20 - Easter Wednesday Luke 24:13-25, They knew him in the breaking of the bread This passage is called “On the Road to Emmaus.” Upon his walk on the road Jesus overhears two people talking his own crucifixion and death. They are sharing what they know and some common rumors. These two random people are everyday common folk. They are gossiping awhile walking home. They are hopeful in their journey. As Jesus talks to these two people, they don’t know who he is and speak candidly.

I like passage because it shows just two common people gossiping about recent events. It shows how similar society was back then to now. Jesus doesn’t interrupt their conversation by introducing himself, I think he genuinely wants to know what other people think. Almost every person knows the name and action of Jesus, but how many people, have seen him before? This is a time way before any semblance of photographs and videos, so people only could rely on other people. - Matthew Hurley ’23

April 21 - Easter Thursday Luke 24:35-48, Peace, Doubt, explanation of Scripture This made me think about how my religious life at school is similar. At school we have Masses and the weekly examen that give me time to reflect on how my week has gone. I find it to be a peaceful time in my day to just let everything calm down and get a refresher in life. This is similar because I am able to find peace amongst those around me. I think doing spiritual things within the school is something that helps out the most. - Ben Evee '22 April 22 - Easter Friday John 21:1-14, At the sea, break bread and share fish Fasting is hard, my seventh grade students informed me this Lent, and I agree. Eating is essential, it’s a way we enjoy ourselves, it’s a way we mark the time. No surprise fasting has a place in most major religions. It gets our attention.

But feasting has a place in religious practice too, and can challenge us in ways we overlook. When Jesus asks us to “Come and eat”, do we feel worthy to take our place beside him? Do we approach his abundance with gratitude, attention, and integrity?

Jesus wants to feed us, which may mean putting aside those temptations that fail to satisfy. Let us feast with joy.

- Margaret Felice, Religion

April 23 - Easter Saturday Mark 16:9-15, Go, tell the whole world

Much like the disciples in this passage, we often close our eyes, ears, and hearts to the world and to God. Our lives are so full with small tasks and jobs that we can leave out the most important things in life. However, this passage reminds us to not harden our hearts, to open ourselves to Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection, and to spread this message to the world. As the light of Easter morning brings new hope, it is also time to begin this transformation and tell the world about the Good News after a long night disconnected from God. How can we be more open to God and spread the gospel this Easter? - Marvin Le '23

April 24 - Second Sunday of Easter The Upper Room, Jesus stood in their midst This passage speaks to the essence of faith. When Thomas states that he will not believe Jesus’ resurrection without seeing and feeling the marks of the nails, Thomas is like many of us. It’s human nature to want proof before we’ll believe something. But here, Jesus is asking us directly to set that aside and believe in Him without hard evidence as he says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” It’s a potent reminder to me that in addition to being a season of rebirth and renewal in the natural world, Easter is also a time to reinvigorate our faith and our relationship with God in our day-to-day lives.

- Kelly DeGregorio, Vice President for Advancement