Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Checking my schedule for the week I thought to myself, “No, this can’t be right…didn’t we just have midterms?” Many, myself included, are faced with round two of testing this week. When our textbooks replace our Bibles and we find little time to do anything outside of studying, eating, and attempting to sleep, it is easy to forget what season we are in. The hours of the day simply pass away and the nights grow long. Maintaining our Lenten promises and remaining mindful of the beauty of this time is year is often difficult. It is a challenge to see the heavy burden of class work, exams, papers, and projects as gifts.

That being said, how can we see a stressful exam or ten-page paper as a gift? We can do so by realizing we are privileged and blessed to receive not only an education, but a college education. I’ll be honest; in all reality its somewhat cheesy and cliqued when people say, “In the end, a college education is the key to a bright future.” We know it is true, but when you are in the midst of organic chemistry, accounting, or [insert your least favorite class here] many count down the days until the end of the semester. Therefore, I challenge every student to embrace the remaining weeks of this semester in love of learning. Think about all those who would do almost anything to have the opportunity to take final exams or get up at 7:30 a.m. to go to class every day. Because this lifestyle is “normal” for so many of us, we forget its true value. So, as Lent continues and we draw closer to Easter, I pray we can all learn to savor the time we put into our studies and appreciate God’s plan for us. For all of us here, The University of Scranton is part of that plan and what we do here will forever be part of our lifelong journey of learning.

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

Steph B.- Class of 2014

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

“…Every flower created by Him is beautiful, the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would lose it’s springtide beauty, and the fields would no longer be enameled with lovely hues.”

― St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Imagine a field of bright colorful flowers. Imagine standing at the edge of it, gazing upon the perfect arrangement of flowers. The beauty is created by a combination of different flowers of different heights, different scents, different colors. A garden is not a garden without the variety and uniqueness of each and every single flower in combination with all the others.

Your beauty is unique and is essential to the beauty of all creation. Recognize your beauty as a gift and let it shine. No one can fill the place in the world’s garden that God has reserved for your color, your scent and your magnificence.

-Emily G., 2014

Thursday of Fifth Week of Lent

While trying to pick my topic for the reflection I looked back on my day. I realized that multiple times throughout my day the subject of ‘putting yourself first’ came up. At first we may think ‘that’s just selfish!’ but I don’t mean it that way.

            Today I was with a group of people all pursuing career paths in Counseling. We all saw it as a self-giving service we desire to provide to others (not that we were biased or anything). But also about how we cannot give our best selves to others unless we take care of ourselves. Without taking the time for ourselves, we felt like we have burnt out in the past and will burn out in the future. That would make us unable to serve others and put us in a negative mental state.

            This same topic came up in my Theology class. We discussed whether cutting ties with friends who cause one to sin or lead one on a path away from God was selfish. Some may feel that not being great friends with someone for these reasons are selfish but I do not think so. As St. Francis de Sales would put it: First of all, you still love and care for that person. Second, you are protecting what should be the greatest love in your life-God. If something leads us away from God, He suggests doing the right things for ourselves.

            Today God showed me that the idea of putting yourself first when it is appropriate and serves a greater good isn’t such a bad thing.

-Lauren G. Class of 2013

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

During Lent most people find themselves saying, “No”; such as if a temptation to break our Lenten promise comes up we say “no”.  In the Church we just celebrated the greatest “YES” there ever was.  That is the “yes” that Mary responded with when the angel Gabriel asked her if she would be the mother of Christ.  The feast of the Annunciation almost always falls during lent. 

This year it falls at a particularly good time for me because it is starting to feel like Lent is never going to end.  This feast reminds me not just that Christmas is only 9 months away, but also that I too must answer yes to God’s will for me.  I ask myself, have I been saying “yes” to God lately?  Recently I have been struggling with my plans not fitting with God’s plans.  I think that I have everything all planned out just right and something happens, I am reminded today that I need to trust that God’ will is the best possible thing that could happen to me.  Thank God (literally) Mary did not say, “no, I don’t think that having a child, not to mention the Son of God, is the right plan for me right now.”  For the remainder of this Lent, let’s try to respond with a jubilant “Yes!” to God’s plans for us just like the Blessed Mother.

-Alyssa T. ’13

Monday Fifth Week of Lent

Today’s Old Testament reading, which is from the book of Daniel, is one that has fascinated me ever since I was a little girl.  It is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Israelite exiles in Babylon.  When King Nebuchadnezzar tells them that they must bow down to an idol, they flat out refuse because they know that they are to bow to no other gods than their God.  Even when threatened to be put into a fiery furnace, they stand their ground.  They have the utmost faith in God, saying that if they are thrown into the furnace He will save them, and even if He does not save them, they still will not bow to the king’s idol.

I wish I could have that kind of faith.  It seems like I have so much trouble trusting God with even the smallest aspects of my life.  However Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were willing to literally walk through fire for God, trusting that whatever happened to them would be His will.  I am trying to trust God more fully with various aspects of my life.  It seems like time and time again when my plans fall through and I say “Okay God, I don’t know what to do anymore”, that wonderful and surprising things end up happening.  I just need to get to the point of allowing God to take control earlier in the process!  I hope that as I continue along my Lenten journey I will be able to more fully place my life in God’s hands because He truly knows what is best for me and can see me through whatever fires may come my way.

-Lauren P. ‘14

Friday of Fourth Week of Lent

In the movie The Way, Emilio Estevez’s character Daniel says to his father, “You don’t choose a life – you live one.” So many times, we are like Daniel’s father. We think that we’re the ones who have the final say in what happens in our lives. We want to control our futures and prevent bad things from happening to us. In short, we want things do go our way. The only problem is that that’s not how life works. We need to do things His way, not our way. After all, He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We need to be like Daniel and remember that all we can really do is live the life that He has created for us. This Lent, let’s try to remember the Way of the Cross let it shape our lives.

- Christina R. ‘13

Thursday of Fourth Week of Lent

We’ve made it a great deal of the way into Lent at this point.  However, this also means that our promises and convictions may have slipped to the back of our mind.  Take 10 minutes today to reinvigorate yourself.  Not only should you consider what you were trying to accomplish at the beginning with the promises you made, but you should also take time for yourself.  Often we lose track of our convictions because we get so wrapped up in the little things in life.  Let those small everyday stresses sift out of your mind for at least a few minutes.  Breath.  Think.  Relax.  Just be with yourself so that you can be yourself for the rest of Lent.  Use this time to consider God, and how he fits into you.  Let the puzzle come together and try to continue this practice into the future.  Take it beyond Lent, but start today.  Focus on yourself, your ideas, and God for 10 minutes.  What could it hurt?

-Peter A. ‘14

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

          I had some difficulty coming up with something to write for Royal Reflections this week. Nothing was flowing and I hadn’t found anything inspiring that I wanted to pass on to everyone. Then I realized maybe my lack of inspiration was something to write about. It has been about four weeks since Ash Wednesday, maybe five I’m not quite sure, but either way it has been a long time. I know I miss some of the things I gave up for Lent and I’m sure most people do by this point. The enthusiasm I had on Ash Wednesday is long gone and I’m feeling a little worn out.  

          Then I remember that Easter is in about two and a half more weeks, and Easter Break comes even sooner than that. This is the home stretch of Lent, a chance to reflect on the graces God has given us so far and renew our promises as we near the end of this holy season. I think the gorgeous weather we’ve had this week, especially considering its only March, is a reminder of this. Spring is here, Easter only a little ways a ways, so don’t give up hope yet. Our Lenten journey is almost through, but there is still much good we can take from this time.

-Katie R ‘13

Tuesday of Fourth Week of Lent

After only two days, it seems that Spring Break is long gone.  Those nice days of sleeping in, spending time with family and old friends, and not thinking about school work have come to end.  Without a second spare, we’ve resumed our very busy schedules.  Returning to campus, I was greeted by delightful sunshine and the smiling faces of friends and classmates sitting outside enjoying it.  Nothing makes me happier than seeing people playing on the Dionne Green.  No matter who is out there or what they are doing, anyone running sitting on the DeNaples Patio or running around on the Green always appears to be having fun.

This past Sunday’s Gospel is my favorite Gospel passage: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  Now, God is not going to stop time and allow us to live on Earth forever.  However, He will allow us to be truly happy.  In fact, because of Him we can and will be truly happy.  Sunshine and friendship, especially Scranton friends, are clear symbols of God’s love for us.  God is present in those friends assembled together enjoying each other’s presence.  The sunshine and free time might be just a snippet of our lives, but God and the gifts he has bestowed upon us are not.  God IS love.

Katie C. ‘14

Monday of Fourth Week of Lent

“Do you trust me?” Aladdin asked Jasmine before she flew off with him on the magic carpet. We are asked this same question by so many in our day to day lives.

A friendship growing closer or just beginning makes you wonder if you trust that person or not. Do you trust that person with who you really are?  Do I trust them to be there for me? Sometimes the answer is no and we close up. Whether this is good or not-only you and God can decide. Or we can open up and be a little vulnerable without knowing if great things or painful experiences will come of it.

We have to ask ourselves this same question. Do I trust my abilities to do the right thing? Do I believe I can make the right choice? I find that being a difficult question to answer. Sometimes I want to say yes, others no. At the end of the day, can you stick by what you believe?

Lastly, do we trust God? We can get so caught up in our own perspective without realizing that He sees it all. While we’re anxious and worried, He has the ending in His hands. While I would love it if God showed me all the answers, I constantly have to remind myself that things will happen in His time. I’ll ‘figure out my life.’ I’ll be who I want to be, etc. With a bit of patience and a lot of trust, I can take some comfort knowing that He’s guide me through.

So during Lent, try saying Yes to God’s question and take a ‘magic carpet ride’ with Him. We might not know where exactly we’re going, but trusting in Him may just take us to a whole new world we would have never imagined.

-Lauren G.

 Class of 2013

Friday 2nd Week of Lent

When Ash Wednesday rolled around I was amazed by the number of statuses I saw informing the facebook world that they wouldn’t be back until Easter. Over and over again I hear challenges from faculty and staff here at the U to give up cell phones for Lent. I myself am trying to waste less time online and hooked up to my iPod in order to become more present to the world around me. All of this seems to indicate a desire for real communication and less noise in our day to day lives. By getting rid of these distractions, we are able to more fully connect with those around us.

Try doing this with God, getting rid of the noise in your relationship with Him. While we may not be on facebook during Mass or texting during formal prayer time, other distractions and noises pop up. So often I sit down to pray and spend the whole time talking to God, not letting Him get a single word in. The conversation becomes one-sided and I become just as wrapped up in myself as I do when I tune the world with TV or music. So, sometime this Lent, try just being with God, basking in His presence. It’s difficult and awkward sometimes, but it can open up the relationship and make it deeper, more fulfilling.

Katie, ‘13

-p.s.  Click here for http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXw8lJtet1g&feature=related)
Brandon Heath’s “Beauty Divine.”

Thursday 2nd Week of Lent

In one of my all-time favorite Bible passages, St. Paul teaches us, “Love is patient, love is kind.” (1 Cor. 13:1). He then goes on to describe what else love is and what it is not. As I reflect on St. Paul’s words, I find that they tie into the prayer, fasting, and almsgiving of Lent. Basically, Lent is all about finding real love and trying to love more. We pray so that we can grow to love God more deeply; we fast so that we can get rid of the stuff in our lives that looks like love, but that is really just selfish; we give alms so that we can love those around us a little more. With that in mind, let’s think of Lent as a time to bring a little more true love into our lives.

-Christina R. ‘13

Wednesday 2nd Week of Lent

             The gospel reading for the day is a selection in which the “Our Father” is first given to us.  Often, when praying, we forget what the words really mean and simply just say these words.  During the season of Lent, let us all try to concentrate on what we are really saying in not only the Our Father, but also in the rest of our prayers.  Let us see the beauty of the words and the beauty of the message behind them.

Furthermore, we can use Lent as a time to try and carry out the message in our lives.  Forgive others and love them.  This is one of the best things we can do.  Perhaps during Lent we can let the little things go and keep ourselves from getting angry.  If we can take the small steps to forgive others more often, concentrate on our prayers and the sacrifice we are making we can grow happier and closer to God this Lent.  

-Peter A. ‘14

Tuesday of the Second Week Lent

Some days I feel like I do not have a cross to carry.  I am here at a wonderful university; I have an amazingly supportive family, great friends, and wonderful opportunities.  I see suffering in others more often then I see it in myself.   I then find myself reflecting, wondering why others suffer so great.  The majority of the time we only focus on ourselves. Yet, we forget to acknowledge the One who truly carries the brunt of the cross.  Sometimes we would rather ask “why me? Why did this happen?  Why was so and so involved?”  Instead we should ask: “Where is God in the midst of my or someone else’s suffering?”  If we pray about it, we will probably come to realize  at that very moment when we think this world is falling apart,  we will find Jesus on the cross holding it all together.

-Alyssa '13

Monday 2nd Week of Lent

Lent is more than a forty period in which we deprive ourselves of sweets, Facebook, or meat on Fridays.  Lent is a time to reflect on our decision to follow Christ.  Let this be a time of careful examination.  How is God calling to you?  How are you responding?  In what ways might you be failing to respond?

We all have iniquities that either purposely or inadvertently prevent us from being the followers we are called to be.  Maybe we have sacrificed small things for Lent, but how much is chocolate really keeping you from God?  Most likely, not at all.  How can you be closer to God and still eat chocolate?  Perhaps it is an increased amount of service, having more patience with others, or going to mass more often.

With Spring Break right around the corner, midterm exams and assignments galore put pressure on us all.  We may not be able to think about adding more into lives.  Sacrifice seems easy.  The idea of removing things from our hectic worlds, in whatever capacity, is so alluring.  Don’t take the easy way out.  Invite God into that crazy, mixed-up place.  Think about how you might continue faithful Lenten practices after Easter.  Whether it is changing a bad habit or starting a great new habit, consider making it a habit for some time to come.

Katie

Class of 2014 

Friday of the First Week of Lent

In the gospel reading for today, from the book of Matthew, Jesus addresses an issue that I think many of us can relate to.  The passage is from chapter 5, and in this section, he is addressing the commandment not to murder.  This commandment is certainly one with which all humans are very familiar.  However, Jesus takes this well-known commandment one step further.  He challenges us not only to refrain from physically murdering others, but from figuratively murdering them as well.  He tells us that we should not harbor anger against others, speak to them with contempt, or slight them in any way.

Most people have no problem keeping the “old” version of this commandment.  The majority of human beings live their entire lives without killing someone else physically.  However, all of us are guilty of holding grudges, putting others down, and speaking with others angrily.  Jesus tells us that when these issues arise, as they surely will because after all we are only human, it is important that we go to the person who we have injured and make the situation right.

As we continue to move through Lent, we all need to take the time to stop and reflect as to how we may have figuratively murdered the people with whom we interact on a day to day basis.  It is important however, to move past reflection into action and take the necessary steps to put things to right with those we have hurt.  Let us all ask God to help us know who we need to ask for forgiveness this Lent and to give us the strength to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

-Lauren  ‘14

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

In the Bible, there is a story of two sisters, Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). One day, they invited Jesus to their house for dinner. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him as he spoke. Martha, however, ran around the house as she prepared the meal, cleaned the house and made everything look as neat as possible, forgetting that all Jesus wanted was her attention and company.

Much like Martha, we, as college students, are constantly distracted by our busy schedules. Between the demands of academics, extra curricular activities, family and social life, it can be easy to forget that God Himself is always right by our side. The way Jesus does not need to dine in a sparkling clean house, He does not need your heart to be spick-and-span in order to spend time with Him. He longs simply for our attention so that He may speak of His love for us.

Mary sat in awe and wonder, overjoyed to be in Jesus’ presence. Challenge yourself this Lent to be with God in the here and now. Go to Him as you are—wounds, scars, joys, hopes, fears and all. We don’t need to work for Jesus’ heart; He died for ours!

Emily G '14