Greetings from Saint Vincent College Campus Ministry, On behalf of the Campus Ministry team, I wish you a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas. Saint Vincent Archabbey is a Benedictine Community, Benedictine vows are Stability, Obedience, and Daily Conversion. From Mary our Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph to the wisemen and shepherds the season of Advent is rich in moments of conversion and coming to know God’s Will. This booklet of Gospel readings and reflections is to assist you every day from Advent into the Christmas season. The pages of this Advent booklet comes to you from the faculty, sisters, monks, staff, students, and administration of Saint Vincent College. Each member of the Saint Vincent family has read, prayed, and reflected on each Gospel. I am grateful to each reflection participant for their prayerful dedication to making this booklet a reality. As you read and hear the voice of someone you know, please keep them in your mind and prayer during the holy sessions of Advent and Christmas.
How to use this booklet, my recommendation is to decide when you will pray, set a time out of each day. Make the commitment to pray ever day. After you decide your special time like in the morning with coffee or some other time. sit down in a quiet place to read and pray. Give yourself time to pause and breath before diving into reading. Be grateful for the time to be with the Lord in His Holy Word. After you have a few moments to yourself and the Lord, start reading the Gospel, now reread it slower. At this time read the prayerfully prepared reflection for that Gospel and day. Read it again one more time. Do you share the same point of view with the author of the refection? Perhaps write your own reflection adding your own thoughts and prayer to what the Lord is saying to you. Your are not finished yet, now this is the hard part, how are you going to apply your personal refection to your everyday life. How are you participating in this season of conversion? Don’t be afraid to let Christ change your life and fill it with His light and love. O come O come Emmanuel, God is with us.
May the blessings of Christmas be with you through out the New Year,
Fr. Max, O.S.B.
Week
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Sunday, November 28 Luke 21:25–28, 34–36 Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Reflection: Fr. Maximilian Maxwell O.S.B. Director, Campus Ministry
Today the Church around the world begins the season of Advent. This Holy season not only prepares our soul, mind, and heart for the coming Christmas season, the season of Advent is to enrich our lives with the transforming power of God‘s love. All great sports organizations have a preseason where they examine how the players are doing, and how the team is doing with practice, drills, and building teamwork. We use the season of Advent to examine our conscience and seek the Lord and the Sacrament of Reconciliation with anticipation of Jesus Christ the Incarnation, coming as the Word made Flesh the Splendor of the Father. As we start the season of Advent the first Sunday of the liturgical year it begs the question how do we remain vigilant, how do we continue to pray to have the strength to persevere in life? We as God’s sons and daughters must rely more and more on His love and grace and not our own strength. We can simply look at the signs that are all around us the darkness and cold of winter. Will we have the wisdom to seek out the light of Christ, and the warmth of the power of the Holy Spirit? With the illumination of Truth that comes to us through Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit we will not be afraid or shaken, but have the strength and courage like Mary had when she said to the angel Gabriel, “Let it be done to me according to your Word”. In the face of difficult times in life we must find within the season of advent the tools and ability to persevere in life. As we embark on another season of Advent may the grace of the season not only give us the ability to celebrate Christmas worthily and well but impact us for the rest of our lives.
Monday, November 29 Matthew 8:5-11 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Reflection: Anna Tatham Junior, Business Management.
Many of us do not want to listen to authority because we do not want to be told what to do. The centurion in this Gospel recognized himself as an authority figure who gives orders to others. When he humbled himself before Christ, Jesus was amazed by his faith. Many do not think they are worthy of Christ’s love, but we must remember that Christ died for us because He loves us. This Advent season, remind yourself and others that everyone is worthy of God’s love and it is never too late to turn our hearts back to the Lord.
Tuesday, November 30 Matthew 4:18-22 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Reflection: Br. Francisco Whittaker, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and the sons of Zebedee and tells them that he will ‘make them fishers of men’. What a bizarre and radical idea this must have seemed to these four fishermen! Fishers of men? What does that even mean? In our own lives Jesus often calls us to do something that seems radical or unclear to us, and we frequently try to figure it out or weight our options before saying ‘yes’. Perhaps we want to control the situation that we feel called to, or maybe the vocation that we feel that God is leading us to seems unsuited or crazy to us, so we are hesitant to respond. In those cases, we should take a cue from Peter, Andrew, James, and John who immediately left everything, their livelihoods and their families, to follow after Jesus even though they had no idea what he was calling them to. They trusted in him to lead them, and so must we.
Wednesday, December 1 Matthew 15:29-37 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full. Reflection: Jimmy Petruska Head Coach Women's Basketball The opening scene of Matthew’s Gospel reading 15:29-37, Jesus walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After a time, Jesus went up on the mountain and a multitude of people followed Him. When Jesus sat down, the people came bringing to Him the sick, the lame and others with all sorts of illnesses and diseases. When each of these individuals approached Jesus, He quietly healed them. He simply had compassion for them. Naturally the crowds were astonished when they realized that the mute were talking, the blind were able to see, and the lame were walking. Can you imagine what a wondrous experience it must have been for the individuals who were healed? They must have been amazed and awed at the great gift Jesus had given to them. Each one of us needs healing. It may be a physical or emotional healing or spiritual. I personally look at how quickly Jesus was able to heal so many people, thru the holy spirit. When we have faith and believe in the power of Christ, it is truly amazing what miracles can be fulfilled. In today’s world, it may not appear that many miracles are happening. We know that it is rare for a person who has a serious disease or illness to be cured. Yet if we look for them, if we look deeply, we may see the miracles that happen every day. They may be small miracles or things that you cannot explain. We all are lame or ill in some way. May we pray for eyes to “see” and hearts to trust Jesus!
Thursday, December 2 Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was complete.
Reflection: Madison Powell Senior, History & Theology Double Major 21
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 24 “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 26And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 27The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” In a passage familiar to many faithful believers, Jesus paints a picture of a house built on stone that, although weather-beaten and in the throes of a storm, still stands because of its solid foundation. Think about the storms in your own life. Maybe you’re on the outs with a friend, or maybe the stress of classes and exams is beginning to get you down. When the storms in our lives become turbulent and too overwhelming it is important to remember our own foundation in the Lord. During this holiday season, take refuge in the Lord. Allow Him to be your strength and trust in His everlasting love.
Friday, December 3 Matthew 9:27-31 As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Reflection: Danielle Hegyes Graduate Student & Residence Hall Director
"In this passage, we understand that Jesus had done the seemingly impossible: he healed the eyes of two blind men, granting them sight. Notably, after listening to their cries for mercy, Jesus instructed the pair not to tell anyone what he had done for them. This symbolizes that Jesus did not serve people only to expect something in return, being it recognition or more followers. Instead, his compassion and miracle work was truly selfless and intended to help those that needed it. This is a sentiment that we should carry with us now more than ever. With the internet and news outlets showing us the vast cries for help from across the world, it can become overwhelming and even make us apathetic when listening to the cries of others. To fight this, we should remember that though we can’t solve the world's problems, we can still look for opportunities to help others without expecting anything in return, just as Jesus did. Carry snacks and personal care bags with you if you plan on walking in the city. Pay attention to the voices of others struggling with systematically routed issues. Don’t let yourself turn a blind eye to the voices of those crying out for help. Most importantly, do not lose your empathy. "
Saturday, December 4 Matthew 9:35B10:1, 5a, 6-8 Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Reflection: Nick Duer Senior, Finance Major
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” At first, this doesn’t sound too difficult. After all, who doesn’t like to give to those who they love? But how difficult does it become to give to those who we do not know, or even more, do not like? It is so challenging to be patient with those who annoy us, love those who hurt us, forgive those who are not sorry, and to overall give when we receive nothing from these people in return. Yet we sin against God and ignore Him. We are stubborn and ungrateful, and He gives us His love all the same. In this passage, Jesus calls us to love in that way. Saint Teresa and Saint Thérèse preached doing small things with great love. Think of a person that annoys you or has hurt you and ask God to help you love that person without cost, even if it is small and simple.
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Sunday, December 5 Luke 3:1–6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Reflection: Rev. Clark Kerr Campus Minister, Spiritual Formation
Luke’s Gospel places the coming of Jesus in both time and place. The “reign of Tiberius,” “Herod as Tetrarch,” “the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas” – all of which fix the momentous occasion in history. In writing to all the world, Luke wants it to be clear that this coming of Israel’s Savior is a historical event, located in a particular “chronos” of time. John’s recitation of the words of Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord” also advises us that this is to be a “kairos” moment, as God acts in the fullness of time, fulfilling long existing promises to His people. Let this be clear - God has chosen to act in this time and place and nothing will ever be the same again! The crooked made straight – valleys filled - mountains levelled – the rough made smooth – all to establish the coming salvation of God. We do well in this season to wonder at the ancient promises soon to be made real in the birth of the Christ child. We do well to prepare our hearts to receive Him in His first coming. And remembering another ancient promise, we do well in living our lives in such a way that we may be found worthy when Christ comes again, in glory! Come, Lord Jesus!
Monday, December 6 Luke 5:17-26 One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.” Reflection: Br. José Rosa, O.S.B Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry
Saints come in groups, never alone. Holy friends make their friends holy – we see this beautifully displayed in this reading. Love can’t be contained, even by a small room or a big crowd. Love is willing to do anything to find its fulfillment, even to being lowered through a roof. And the measure with which we love will be measured out to us in return. When we give all, we get all – when we are reckless with Jesus, we gain Heaven. We have these few weeks to prepare to receive Love, the Word Made Flesh, Jesus our Lord – are we bringing our friends along with us?
Tuesday, December 7 Matthew 18:12-14 Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety -nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
Reflection: Angela Zenchak Senior, Theology Major
Anyone who knows me knows I lose things a lot. A month or two ago, as I was frantically searching for my keys before heading to class, begging St. Anthony to work his magic for me, I noticed that losing the keys made me appreciate them so much more. The longer they were gone, the more I wanted to find them, the more fervently I'd search for them, and the happier I'd be when I found them (in the keyhole...). That searching and waiting made me realize how God feels about me. When I stray, I imagine that he's repulsed by my sinfulness, but it's the opposite--he searches for me and wants me even more then, so much that he leaves the ninety-nine because the infinite God feels incomplete without me. Advent is a time of searching and waiting. Israel had to wait centuries for the Messiah in exile, but the readings today show how much more they rejoiced to finally receive their Savior. What are you waiting for this Advent? To feel God's presence and guidance? His care? More reassurance about your future? As you wait, realize that God waits for you and longs for you even more and rejoices infinitely more just to grow closer to you.
Wednesday, December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Matthew 15:29-37 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Reflection: Rt. Rev. Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B. Archabbot Chancellor of Saint Vincent College
Henry Ossawa Tanner, born in Pittsburgh in 1859-1937, was the first African-American painter to draw international acclaim. His Annunciation is a depiction of the scene described in today’s gospel. continued, next page...
If you google the painting, you will observe how unconventional it is. There is no regal setting with Mary piously praying or reading scripture. Rather Tanner has painted a more realistic picture of Mary, the soon-to-be Mother of God, as a poor, young, anonymous Jewish girl, alone in a drab room with peasant clothing. And the Angel Gabriel is portrayed as a shaft of light, not a strong figure with arching wings. Some might say that Tanner rejected tradition, but it is more accurate to say that he reclaims the holiness of an ordinary scene transfigured by an angelic visitation and the promise of God’s presence. His painting is a wonderful example of how, when God comes to us, He transforms the most mundane, the most drab, the most humdrum, the most unremarkable space into holy ground. That is, God transforms our present reality if we, like Mary the Mother of God, say “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” When we respond with “yes,” he transforms every present moment into a marvelous encounter with the living God. Such an encounter, such a transfiguration is always and everywhere available. To see it, we need Christ’s illumination and a little courage. Let’s open our eyes and be brave!
Thursday, December 9 Matthew 11:11-15 Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Reflection: Clair Sirofchuck Senior, Studio Art & English, Creative Writing Double Major
The least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than the greatest man on earth, says Jesus. How incredibly amazing! Can you imagine what Heaven must be like? Do you ever dream about going there someday, away from the violence of the world and those people “taking Heaven by force”? Free from the struggle of our daily battle with sin? Indeed, our world is a tumultuous one, and you only need look at Fox News or CNN to find the latest depressing episode of political violence, hate crimes, or natural disasters. Whenever you find yourself growing discouraged, think about the hope of Heaven and Jesus’ beautiful, sometimes unusual descriptions of paradise. Imagine what it would be like to emerge from the dark tunnel of this life and run straight to our Redeemer’s arms, to be lifted up and loved as the dear little ones we are to Him!
Friday, December 10 Matthew 11:16-19 Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Reflection: Abigail Brannon Junior, Early Childhood Education Major
In reading this passage one can see Jesus discussing the difference between the spirituality of children and adults and their relationship to God. Children in their innocence do not doubt their relationship with God. They also do not stray from His path and plan as much as adults do. Adults on the other hand are more likely to stray due to free will and a weakening of their relationship with God. This passage highlights what how adults fell into sin when it was written. When interpreting this, we can look at these examples and translate them into modern day examples of things that we might do to stray further from God’s plan and weaken our relationship.
Saturday, December 11 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13 As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Reflection: Jim Berger Director of Athletic Communications
Though only four sentences long, today’s reading from Matthew is very poignant. The disciples were certainly flummoxed by Jesus’s answer, before deciding that the Son of Man being referred to is John the Baptist. In fact, Jesus is speaking of his own experience of being mistreated and not recognized, while also warning his disciples of his passion and suffering that will soon come. Like Elijah a thousand years earlier and John the Baptist in their contemporary times, Jesus had already experienced his share of rejection and the scorn of countless nonbelievers, which would culminate with his crucifixion. Now, it is unfathomable to think of the anguish and suffering that Jesus – a prophet, miracle-worker and THE SON OF GOD – had to endure. The public’s rejection and mistreatment certainly hurt Elijah, John the Baptist and Jesus, just as rejection and mistreatment hurts our classmates and coworkers, our friends and families, and our neighbors and strangers alike. In today’s divisive world, it is more imperative than ever to follow The Golden Rule. Treat others as if they are Jesus, for he is in all of us, and recognize that by doing so, we will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
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Sunday, December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Luke 3:10–18 The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.
Reflection (Spanish) : Fr. Warren Murrman, O.S.B. La fecha del12 diciembre es la fecha de la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Esta fiesta conmemora las cinco apariciones de María, Madre de Jesucristo, a Juan Diego en México el año de 1531, cuando María apareció como una madre encinta, embarazada con el niño Jesús. Sin embargo, este año de 2021, la fiesta no se celebra en esta fecha, porque es el tercer domingo de Adviento. No obstante, podemos oír en el evangelio de hoy algunas palabras que pueden relacionarse con la fiesta y con su significado de expectación y esperanza gozosa. Juan Bautista le contestó a la gente que vendría “el que es más poderoso” que el mismo Juan. “El los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo y el fuego.” Todo el tiempo de Adviento es un tiempo de expectación. Esperamos y anticipamos mucho. Sí, podemos anticipar este año la celebración anual de la fiesta del Nacimiento de Jesucristo nuestro Señor que ocurrió hace 2,000 años. Sin embargo, debemos además anticipar la venida de Jesucristo en nuestros corazones este año y también en el futuro, al fin de nuestros años, cuando viene para acogernos en su granero celestial. ¡Preparémonos con expectación llena de esperanza!
Reflection ( English translation): Lauren Makovics Junior, Biology Major
The date of December 12th is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast commemorates the five apparitions of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, to Juan Diego in Mexico in the year 1531, when Mary appeared as a pregnant mother, pregnant with the baby Jesus. Nonetheless, this year of 2021, the feast is not celebrated on this date, because it is the third Sunday of advent. However, we can hear in the gospel today some words that can relate to the feast and with its meaning of expectation and joyful hope. John the Baptist answered to the people that he would come, “he that is more powerful” than John himself. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” All the time in advent is a time of expectation. We wait and anticipate a lot. Yes, we can anticipate this year the annual celebration of the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord that happened 2,000 years ago. But, we must also anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ in our hearts this year and also in the future, at the end of our years, when He comes to welcome us in His heavenly barn. Let’s get ready with hopeful anticipation!
Monday, December 13 Matthew 21:23-27 When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Reflection: Sister Donatha Gerard Accounting Franciscan Sisters of St. Bernadette
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ authority being questioned by the chief priests and the elders of the people. They ask him, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus responds to their questions by counter questioning them about the origin of John’s baptism. Although they know the correct response to this question, they don’t say it. Due to their dishonest, Jesus does not continue this discussion with them. At times, we act like these chief priests and elders; we do things that create a distance between us and God. For instance, we sometimes fail to humble ourselves and open up our minds to listen to God and people, and by doing this, we limit God’s possibilities in our lives. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus in our hearts, let us pray that God grants us humility and gives us the grace to cultivate daily the spirit of attentive listening to his word and to the needs of the people around us.
Tuesday, December 14 Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” Reflection: Kendra Smithbauer Senior, Marketing Major, Vocal Performance & Theology Minor
How often do we fall back on our word? Maybe say we’ll do something and then never follow through? Jesus expresses in today’s Gospel, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” It is important that we recognize that portraying some “perfect” image of holiness will not get us any closer to Heaven. In fact, it might be what is holding us back. We can put on a show of piety and good intentions, but if we don’t love in truth and action, we won’t serve the kingdom. We can speak into an oblivion of how we live and carry out God’s will, but all of it means nothing without showing Him how. As St. Francis has once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."
Wednesday, December 15 Luke 7:18b-23 At that time, John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” When the men came to the Lord, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
Reflection: Jessica Hartner Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, Minor in Disabilities Studies Graduate Student
So often in today’s world we find ourselves challenging God and not trusting his plan for our life. We ask him to give us a sign or be more obvious. In this passage John was doing the same thing. He was questioning or challenging God and asking if he was “the real deal”. I’m sure his disciples were shocked to hear John ask such a question. But God wasn’t surprised, he knew this question was coming. In this reading, Jesus replied by sharing examples of the things he has done, proving to be the Messiah. While reading this, I was reminded that God would rather you ask/question him to allow your faith to be greater. He doesn’t want you to live in your doubts and fears. So next time you’re questioning God or struggling to trust him, remind yourself that God already knows and wants to walk along side you.
Thursday, December 16 Luke 7:24-30 When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see B a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.) Reflection: Ruth Milne Junior Chemistry Major
The crowd Jesus is addressing went out into the desert to seek John the Baptist. They did
not seek superficial fineries such as the luxuries of a palace, but rather the abiding and eternal truth of God. All people desire God and seek Him in their hearts. As St. Augustine says, “Our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in You.” Nothing in this world can satisfy our restlessness, because we were created for more than this world. And that is why this third week of Advent is called Gaudete – rejoice! For this world is not the end. If we follow the path to Jesus, the path prepared by John, we may enter into salvation and eter-
nal life. As we finish our final exams and wrap up the semester, let us joyfully draw nearer to God, and seek Him in all things.
Friday, December 17 Matthew 1:1-17 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus, the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.
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Reflection: Fr. Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B.
The “Genealogy of Jesus” as presented by Matthew has many things to teach us! Here I’d like to mention only one – That absolutely NOTHING that happens is devoid of God’s presence. For Matthew’s community, already suffering under the difficulties and stresses caused by rejection and division, his genealogy emphasizes that Jesus is the Messianic Savior (the Christ); that he is the fulfillment of the Divine Covenant with David and Abraham, and that no matter how difficult Israel’s life, and that of Matthew’s community, got, GOD WAS ALWAYS WITH THEM TO SAVE THEM. In other words, God is always faithful to God’s promises! The structure of this genealogy using divisions of “14 generations,” each of which is comprised of the doubling of the sacred or divine number 7, emphasizes that in the pre-monarchic period (Abraham-David), the monarchic period (David to the Babylonian Exile) and the post-monarchic period (the Babylonian Exile to Jesus) God has been constantly present and at work in and through Israel to save God’s people – to save all who believe in God and place their trust in God. This message is incredibly important for us today in a world that faces so many difficulties, so much division, and so much suffering. Matthew’s genealogy has another important message for us in the unique inclusion of five women! Women were almost never included in ancient Near-Eastern genealogies! Each of these women had a “reputation” or “character flaws” that would “raise the eyebrows” of any self-righteous person and cause people to react with concern or consternation. So why does Matthew include them? He does so to show that not only does God work in and through both men AND women, but that in fact the whole history of Salvation has been preserved at its most critical moments by the actions and faithfulness of women who would have otherwise been outcasts. As we meditate and prepare for the upcoming celebration of Christmas, let us use the Season of Advent as a time to prepare a place within our hearts for the Messianic Savior, Jesus the Christ, Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of God, and Son of Mary, to be born anew within us.
Saturday, December 18 Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. 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, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
Reflection: Alissa Beam Senior, Biochemistry Major, German & Mathematics Minor
I think that this is an important aspect of the Christmas story to remember, because having Jesus is not what Mary and Joseph had planned. Joseph wanted to leave due to Mary’s pregnancy; however, he stayed with her after he was reassured by an angel. I think it is important to remember, especially as college students, that our lives will not always be the way we want them to be, yet at times we will need to trust God and his plan for us. The path will not always be easy, but in the end we will get where we are supposed to be.
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Sunday, December 19 Luke 1:39–45 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Reflection: Fr. Anthony-Joseph Grossi, o.S.B. Bookstore Director
"With only about 1 week left until we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, we hear in the gospel passage today the account of the Visitation. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and Elizabeth instantly recognizes that she is in the presence of the Mother of God! Such awe and wonder Elizabeth must have felt! Elizabeth even says that the infant in her womb leaped for joy when he hears the voice of Mary.
As we prepare for the arrival of Jesus in our lives. May we share in the joy of Elizabeth when she was greeted by Mary. May we also recognize the presence of the infant Christ in our midst, and in one another this Christmas! Recognize him when he comes into your heart this Christmas. May you receive the joy Elizabeth experienced during Mary's visitation!"
Monday, December 20 Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Reflection: Genevieve LaFosse Junior, Communications Major & Theology Minor
This reading today from the Gospel of Luke on the Annunciation highlights the virtue of obedience, which was exemplified by Mary saying yes to God. Obedience starts at a young age. We are called to listen to our parents, as this is what God commands us. For people of all ages, obedience is such a hard virtue to follow. Because we are fallen creatures, we are naturally selfish and only want to only listen to ourselves. This is why sin happens because we listen to ourselves and give in to the temptations and we say no to God as opposed to saying yes to Him. St. Benedict places obedience at the beginning of monastic life, as that virtue by which we begin our journey back to the Lord from whom we have strayed by sin. Obedience is one of the vows monastics take. This important virtue is very central to a Christian’s life. How are we supposed to enter heaven? By being obedient to the 10 Commandments God gave us. By being obedient to the laws of the Catholic Church. Obedience is key in being a good Christian and we can imitate Mary and Jesus and follow their example of what obedience looks like.
Tuesday, December 21 Luke 1:39-45 Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Reflection: Nicole Buchek Junior, Theology & History Major
Advent is a season of great anticipation, a sentiment which is made particularly clear in this gospel reading. Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptist, leaps for joy in her womb upon hearing the voice of Mary, as he knows that great joy will be brought to the world by Mary’s obedience to God and the Son she will bear because of it. The great joy and anticipation of this scene is made possible by the deep spiritual friendship between Elizabeth and Mary, as this allows them to come together with openness to the gift that each of them will bear. In embracing the gift of the other, an embrace that is evidenced in Mary’s call of greeting and Elizabeth’s joyful response, the two women reflect the friendship that is essential to the Incarnation we long for throughout the Advent season. Christ’s desire to come close to humanity, entering into our pain and brokenness even to the point of death on a cross, is one of the reasons for Christ’s Incarnation which we celebrate in this Advent season. The friendship between Elizabeth and Mary made present in this gospel passage reflects the friendship that Christ desires with each one of us, a friendship that waits with the other in good and bad times alike, hopefully anticipating joy even in the midst of sorrow. As we look forward to the celebration of Christ’s Incarnation at Christmas, let us hold fast to those friends that wait with us in joyful anticipation, as Elizabeth and Mary do for one another, that we may learn to be friends of God and strive for the perfect fulfillment of that friendship in Heaven.
Wednesday, December 22 Luke 1:46-56 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. Reflection: Anthony Pouliot Junior, Computer Science Major, Theology Minor
This prayer of Mary, in response to the message of the Archangel Gabriel in the previous passage, is called the Magnificat, drawing its title from the first line of the canticle in Latin: "Magnificat anima mea Dominum". It is a prayer which is very important to the Church. So important, in fact, that Holy Mother Church commands us to pray it every evening during the hour of Vespers. This prayer is important because it outlines the social mission of the Church: lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things. As we approach the most blessed and holy day of Christ's Birth, let us reflect on our personal responsibility for the Church's mission. Have we done our part to support the hungry and the destitute? Have we acted to bring sinners to righteousness? Have we lived our lives to further God's Kingdom on Earth? As we await the Incarnation of Christ, let us dedicate ourselves to the words of the Magnificat, that at length we may rejoice with Mary in Heaven at the glory of her Son.
Thursday, December 23 Luke 1:57-66 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
Reflection: Bethany Fritsch Junior majoring in Communication and Theology
The aspect of community presents itself through times of great joy, confusion, and awe. John the Baptist was brought into this world in an unexpected way as his mother was no longer of child-bearing age, but his arrival still held great joy for the community. They celebrated with Elizabeth and shared in the blessing of this gift. As Elizabeth named the child the name produced confusion, but the community remained present, however they questioned the decision. This signifies true care that when your community cares enough that they question the reasoning behind your decisions. They do this not to deter you from making them, but rather they want to understand more about you. You can see this in how they react after the name is announced by Zechariah. They uphold the decision they made even though they do not quite understand because they trust Elizabeth and Zecharia in their decisions, and they know them to be of great faith. They then stand in awe talking about the future of the child because as a community they are all connected. We too are connected to everyone around us as parts of the kingdom of God and must be there to support one another in times of trials and triumphs. We must care for one another and uphold each other in our walks of faith, taking time to celebrate the beautiful gifts that God has bestowed upon us.
Friday, December 24 Luke 1:67-79 Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Reflection: Jeff Mallory, Ed.D. Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
Today’s reflection calls for us to be reminded of the circumstances that someone may be in as they approach you. It remains a selfless act for someone to approach you – to show you genuine care, concern and to provide an attentiveness to your respective needs. In another way, a promise made to you, such as the oath that was made to Abraham, illustrates the importance of the need to deeply trust in others. To be loved, protected and free to worship without fear, are among the highest privileges that are granted to each of us in this world. There is perpetual hope that you are reminded of the need to possess an openness to each other – an openness of thought, free of judgment and with an ultimate aim of enhancing the lives of another person.
Saturday, December 25
The Nativity of the Lord Longer Form John 1:1–18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
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Reflection: Rev. Paul Taylor O.S.B. President
Merry Christmas! Today’s profound scripture passage from the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint John proclaims the importance of this moment of human history: Jesus Christ, truly God and truly human is born to save us. There is a part of today’s passage that always inspires me: “ the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”. Not only that, but the darkness will never overcome the light of Christ. When we are discouraged, or when we see evil gaining ground in our lives or in our world, this scripture passage can give us hope. Our commitment to Christ “feeds the flame” of the light of Christ and it becomes stronger. The darkness of evil flees away from it. Let us recommit this Christmas to be in that light.
Sunday, December 26 Luke 2:41-52 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. Reflection: Fr. Killian Loch, O.S.B., Prior, Saint Vincent Archabbey
The Gospel has us jump ahead twelve years after Christmas and tells of Jesus, Mary and Joseph making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. The caravan of pilgrims is returning to Nazareth and Mary and Joseph assume that Jesus is somewhere in the caravan with friends and relatives. When they realize he’s not they return to Jerusalem and on the third day they find him in the Temple. It’s easy to imagine the worry and anguish that built up within them as each hour of unsuccessful searching passed by. When they find Jesus, and Mary asks him, why he stayed behind, his response that he must be in his Father’s house, reveals to us his identity of being not only fully human and the son of Mary and Joseph, but also fully divine and the Son of God. This reading presents us with two important reminders that can help us in our faith; the first is that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were the Holy Family, but not the perfect family. Like all families they had their difficult moments. We should not hesitate to take our own family situations to the Holy Family and know that they understand and help us through their intercession and intervention. The second is that each family is called to be a Holy Family. We grow in holiness by growing in unconditional love for one another, praying for one another, and praying for each other. As Servant of God taught us, Fr. Patrick Peyton taught us, “The family that prays together, stays together.”
Monday, December 27 John 20:1a and 2-8 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. Reflection: Robert Seginack Senior, Business Management Major
This gospel is a very important one because it shows us more on the message that Jesus gives in another gospel about how “the first shall be last and the last shall be first”. An important detail about this story of Peter and another apostle race to the tomb to affirm what Mary Magdalene had seen at the tomb of Jesus. The first apostle to the tomb is not Peter, but the other apostle that is not named. This apostle is John. Another fact to also remember is that John was also the last Apostle who sat at the foot of the cross and to watch Jesus die. In today’s gospel we are also challenged with the idea of seeing and believing, for the Apostles could not simply believe that Christ had resurrected, they had to see it for themselves. Is this a lack of faith on their part? The blind man that was healed by Jesus believed even though he could not see. How is it that a blind man can see better than someone who is not blind? The answer to this is that Jesus calls us to see not with the eyes of our head, but with the eyes of our heart and only then will we come to know Christ as our savior. We do not have to see Jesus physically to know that he is forever in our hearts, nor do we have to see an empty tomb in order to know the Jesus rose from the dead so that death would no longer be our final story but a threshold into eternal life with him.
Tuesday, December 28 Matthew 2:13-18 When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more. Reflection: Lucas Briola, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theology
“Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Lord Acton once quipped. Beneath King Herod’s violence lies a deep anxiety about the security of his reign. King Herod will do anything that it takes to maintain his power, no matter the cost. Political power today looks uncannily similar, built upon regimes of death— whether at the expense of the unborn, the elderly, minorities, or the “enemy”—all for the sake of preserving our ways of life. The vulnerable babe Jesus, whose life is protected by the trusting love of his parents, offers an alternative vision of power that appears as folly to our eyes. Such power comes through gentleness, surrender, and self-offering love—ultimately the Cross. And this Divine Power will always threaten absolute power absolutely.
Wednesday, December 29 Luke 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Reflection: Justin Massetto Senior, Vocal Performance Major, Sacred Music, Mathematics, & Computer Science Minors "How gracious is our God, that he should bless all of us in our unique ways. Reading this passage of Luke 2:22-35 reminds us that God has glory waiting for all of us, even when we can't feel it. Simeon was graced to hold our Lord in his own hands and consecrate Jesus. What an honor it would be! Yet Simeon, after holding Christ, asks God to let him go peacefully, showing that while waiting for our Lord, Simeon did not see it as a blessing, but felt it more as a curse. So then, we can view our lives in this way; mistaking graces from God as hardships we must face. We have no ability to view the goodness of what will come from the graces we are given, we must trust. Like Simeon, God will bless us for our faithfulness, yet we can very easily misconstrue these blessings as curses, wondering why we must suffer in these ways, while forgetting that our souls are purified in the flames of our sufferings. Like Simeon, we have beauty awaiting us: the day when we are presented, as the child Jesus was, to be consecrated to our Lord."
Thursday, December 30 Luke 2:36-40
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Reflection: Aiden Jackson Freshman, Business Management & Theology double major Anna is one of several examples of the practice of faith in the bible. What makes Anna’s example of faith so profound is that God did not reward her faith overnight, but God takes eightyfour years to answer Anna’s faith. Often, we may think that God needs to answer our prayers by the end of the week, and if not answered we may feel as if God is not listening to us. Anna is a perfect example of consistently having faith in God, by never leaving the temple and by worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer, even when God takes a lifetime to answer her Faith. While it is incredible to read about Anna’s lifelong faith, we cannot overlook what Anna did after encountering Jesus. Anna, after seeing Jesus, then proceeds to go out and tell everyone about the encounter she just had with Jesus. As we continue the Christmas season, we can reflect on how we have just celebrated the birth of Jesus and how we are going to move forward and let everyone know just who Jesus is.
Friday, December 31 John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Reflection: Brendan Maher Senior, Political Science Major The experience of life itself is to be a witness. To see life through a lens, and to testify to what we have seen. Just what we may say about what we have witnessed, and what we make of it, is the essence of our time on earth. It is in the first chapter of John that it is stated that the meaning of John the Baptist’s life was to bear witness to the coming of Christ. John in his impoverished life found joy and meaning in his duty. To bear witness to Christ gave John’s life enough meaning that while eating only locusts and honey he still found life worth living. What then must we all bear witness to? What could give life enough meaning that we could be content in poverty? Dr. Cornel West once said, “To be human is to bear witness to justice”. Pope Francis said that “A truly Christian life bears witness to Christ”. And Elie Wiesel wrote, “For the dead and the living we must bear witness”. Somewhat conflicting reports. So for what it means to fulfill our role as human beings, the jury is still out. But this jury must hear from its witnesses.
Saturday, January 1 Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went to haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph And the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, They made known the message That had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed By what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, Reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, Glorifying and praising God For all they had heard and seen, Just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel Before he was conceived in the womb. Reflection: Shane Moran Senior, Biology & Theology Double Major
As we enter into this new year and start thinking up various resolutions which we may or may not keep, today’s passage offers an important insight that could make or break your new year. Verse 17 explains that the shepherds delivered “the message that had been told them about this child”, and if you look just before this passage, you’ll notice that this message reveals Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, a savior hundreds of years in the making. While this information in itself is extraordinary beyond comprehension, the messengers themselves are just as vital. Although all the scribes and theologians in Herod’s kingdom knew what the Scriptures predicted about this divine child, the heavenly host did not appear to them. Of all the qualified and prestigious people that He could have chosen to deliver His message to the world, God selected a group of shepherds, who were just about the most ordinary (and uneducated) people at that time. Through this unlikely source (that smelled strongly of sheep, which isn’t a pleasant smell, mind you), God conveyed His greatness. The extraordinary was hidden within the ordinary, and the scribes missed it. Today, you will likely encounter numerous ordinary events (and people), places where you’d never expect God to be present but, as it was with the shepherd messengers, God may be trying to speak to you in a powerful way through those ordinary things. I hope you listen.
Sunday, January 2 Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. "When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. Reflection: Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry
Have you ever felt guilty for feeling a bit strained during Christmas? The story of Christmas is not only a story of joy over the Coming of Christ, but also of a conflict between the powers of this world and the advent of the Kingdom of God. Herod falsely claims that he wants to worship Jesus; but in truth, he views Jesus as a rival. Is this not often the case with the powers of this world? Sadly, we may experience our own family and friends who view authentic worship rivaling their own beliefs or desires. Lucky for us, we have the example of the three kings who are full of joy at the rising of the star of Jesus! They risk discomfort and even persecution to journey towards Him. What an example to us all! Christmas is a season of joy, but it can be also fraught with difficulties. Let us remember that the first Christmas was no different. And if you find something standing in your way of true worship and the joy of Christmas community, be like the Three Kings and “depart from that country by another way.”
Monday, January 3 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Reflection: Dom Oto Sophomore, Theology Jesus just heard that his best friend has been arrested, so he withdraws, he takes a step back to reflect as we all should when we are going through such peril as this. He went to Capernaum by the sea to fulfill a promise or a prophecy laid by the prophet Isaiah that the people will be cast a great darkness and will sit in this shadow for time but in due time, those who dwell in this land will see a great light and they will be saved by this light. Jesus knows that it is his calling to go and help the people across this land, to save the people who are ill, disease-ridden, or filled with pain. People from across the land come to see his beautiful miracles and follow him. This text allows me to see that even though that Jesus struggled he got up and found his calling to help others. I know that for myself that I will have so many struggles in my valleys but in those valleys, I will see the light in the darkness. We have these hills and valleys that represent the low and high points in our lives. This text correlates with this metaphor that at those high points we can see the whole world and see what it is we need to be doing for others and God. It is in those valleys is where we all have our struggles, our burdens, and iniquities. We are blessed with the opportunities to grow in his embrace, to understand why he has burdened us with the awful things life gives us. We need to be the light in people’s struggles and burdens because in order to be more Christ like we need to give up ourselves for the person next to us. How do we do such a thing? We trust that in those hills and valleys that God will place us perfectly in a spot needed for someone else.
Tuesday, January 4 Mark 6:34-44 When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men. Reflection: Anthony Vanden Berk Senior, Computer Science Major
Jesus’ closest disciples, always underestimating the power and providence of Christ, only think of providing for the crowd with the “everyday” means available. Like the disciples, we so often underestimate the providential care of our Lord. But Jesus shows His power and concern for the crowd – and by extension, all of us today – in an unexpected and miraculous way. Thus, our Lord is telling us that we should place our trust and hope in him, so that, if we only offer him our own loaves and fish with faith, he will multiply it and provide for our needs. Let us pray this Advent season that we may trust more in God’s loving providence, even for our most menial needs.
Wednesday, January 5 Mark 6:45-52 After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. Reflection: Samuel Tokarsky Freshman, Actuarial Sciences
The Apostles did not understand the magnitude of Jesus’ power after the feeding of the five thousand, and did not recognize him when he walked on water to save them from the wind. Instead, they harden their hearts to combat something they did not fully understand and feared. We do this anytime we refuse to believe in God’s mighty power in our lives, and to combat this we sin. May God give us the grace to soften our hearts and be more willing to hear God’s grace and listen for his call.
Thursday, January 6 Luke 4:14-22 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. Reflection: Meredith Marsh Freshman, Middle Grade Education Major As I reflect on the Gospel according to Luke, I think about that feeling we all get when we return to our hometown. The sense of familiarity, holding comfort in our surroundings. For Jesus, Nazareth was his comfort. He followed his tradition and went to preach to his neighbors and folks of his hometown synagogue. He spoke the good news according to the prophet Isaiah. He reminded everyone to bring the Spirit of the Lord and to do good among those around them. Jesus exclaims, “Give good tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, recover the sight of the blind, let the oppress be free and proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord!”. The crowd is overjoyed that Jesus is home and speaking words of wisdom. As you all enter this New Year and spend time in that familiarity of the Christmas season, spread the Good News. Share God’s glory with your loved ones, help out your community, and proclaim your life in his name. Lastly, remember that God loves you
Friday January 7 Luke 5:12-16 It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Reflection: RJ Kenna Sophomore, Business Economics Major
“But [Jesus] would withdraw to deserted places to pray.” How often do we go to our deserted place? We live in a culture and society today filled with constant noise and entertainment. When we read God himself needs to go to a desert place to pray, what does this say to us? For me, this is very alarming. If Jesus needs it, think how much you and I need it all the more. This time of Advent and Christmas allows us the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and transform our lives to be able to become closer to Christ. Just as this leper sought the Lord asking, “if you wish,” so must we seek the Lord requesting not our will be done, His will.
Saturday, January 8 John 3:22-30 Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.” Reflection: Josh Ligus Senior, Biochemistry Major
In advent I always tend to reflect back to when I was child to the very first advent masses I can remember. I think about how the lighting of the candles of the singing that confused me but even though I did not understand their meaning I knew that it was a sign of something important to come. I think about this beautiful time of year and how it truly is a many weeks long celebration. Reflecting on my memory of the candles and singing I can’t help but see how it parallels how one must live their life. How one must live their life celebrating Gods gifts and rejoicing in what is to come. I believe this is the true meaning of advent. It is time to celebrate who we are and a time to look to what is to come.
Sunday, January 9
Baptism of the Lord
Matthew 15:29-37 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Reflection: Br. Barnabas O'Reilly, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” "You are my beloved Son/Daughter, with you I am well pleased". These are the words that God the Father wants to say to each and every one of us when we pray. The beauty about this time of advent is that we remember in a special way how God came to us by becoming one of us. But this remembering is incomplete until we consider what this means for each of us today. Jesus did not only come 2000 years ago but He is with us today, especially in the Blessed Sacrament. And he calls to us and invites us to hear the words of his Father, "You are my beloved Son/Daughter, with you I am well pleased".
Our Staff Father Maximillian Maxwell, O.S.B. Director, Campus Ministry 724-805-2350 Maximillian.maxwell@stvincent.edu
Rev. Clark Kerr Protestant Chaplin, Campus Minister 724-805-2574 clark.kerr@stvincent.edu
Jessica Parsons Coordinator of Office and Service 724-805-2597 jesssica.parsons@stvincent.edu
Br. Francisco Whittaker, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry francisco.whittaker@stvincent.edu
Br. Br. José Rosa, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry jose.rosa@stvincent.edu
Bridget DaVittis Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation 724-805-2098 bridget.davittis@stvincent.edu
Fr. Anthony Grossi, O.S.B. Sacramental Help 724-537-4554 anthony.grossi@stvincent.edu
Barnabas O’Reilly, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry 724-805-2350 barnabas.oreilly@stvincent.edu
Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry basil.burns@stvincent.edu
Br. Francis Jin, O.S. B. Assistant to the Director of Campus Ministry francis.jin@stvincent.edu
Mass Schedule Mary, Mother of Wisdom Student Chapel Sunday 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Monday 12:05 p.m.. & 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday 12:05 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday 12:05 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Community Mass (Basilica)
Thursday 12:05 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.
Friday 12:05 p.m.. & 4:15 p.m.
Saturday 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass of Sunday
300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650
campus.minsitry@stvincent.edu 724-805-2350