Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Lent is a time to slow down and pay attention to God.  Paying attention to God is what prayer is all about.

The Trappist Monks (Thomas Merton was a Trappist) have resurrected a form of prayer based on the spiritual classic, the Cloud of Unknowing.  Called centering prayer, you sit in silence for 20 minutes, once or twice a day.  You just concentrate on being present to God, and emptying your mind of all the images, thoughts, worries, daydreams, etc. that are always running through our heads.  To focus, you use a prayer word or phrase, like “Love” or “Peace” or “Jesus, son of the living God, have mercy on me.”

http://www.centeringprayer.com/

Some people have reported amazing transformation as a result of regularly practicing this kind of prayer.  Give it a try.  But know prayer, spiritual exercise, is like physical exercise.  If you go to the gym three times a week, once a year, don’t expect to get into great shape.  Praying regularly, like physically exercising faithfully, will show results in a few weeks. 

There’s three weeks left in Lent!

Sunday of the Fourth Week of Lent

I spent about an hour yesterday fighting with my computer so it would let me connect to the internet. Apparently having MacAfee anti-virus on my computer turned off the Windows anti-virus software, which confused Cisco who thought I had no anti-virus software. In the end I had to uninstall MacAfee, change the settings of Windows Defender, uninstall and reinstall Cisco, and restart my computer about five or six times.

            My point here is not to complain about my computer problems, but to look at how I handled them. I realize that I’ve been thinking about time a lot lately, and I think my posts reflect this, but I was astounded by the fact that I spent about an hour with my computer just trying to get on the internet because I wanted to watch Netflix. Parade Day tired me out and I wanted some time with How I Met Your Mother and the episode of New Girl I still hadn’t watched from two or three weeks ago. As I sat on my couch and realized how invested I was in my internet access, I couldn’t remember the last time I got so invested in something else.         

            My ability to study for a test runs out after about forty-five minutes; my paper writing attention span is spotty at best until the night before something is due; and when it comes to day-to-day work, well, it doesn’t take a lot to derail me from reading. When I sit down to pray, which usually happens late at night because I spend all day procrastinating or playing catch-up, I can only manage a few minutes before I’m dozing off in the middle of my centering mantra.

            I’m not that busy of a person, so I can’t even attempt play the too busy for prayer or friends or family card and I think that while God may not have been meddling with my computer or Cisco he may have been speaking to me in the aftermath and asking me: How am I using my time? I know I spend a lot of it clicking around the internet or watching Netflix (specifically The West Wing so at least its quality television but still) or playing with my phone. I know I have enough time to see everyone and talk to God and go to class and squeeze in an episode of television at the end, I just have to use it for what matters instead of what doesn’t.

            So my challenge or question for you lovely readers is: how are you using your time? And does any of your time usage need to change?

            --Katie R. ‘13

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

“It was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again.”  -F. Scott Fitzgerald

Saturday, March 9, 2013

In the First Reading today, Hosea speaks about having hope. He says that God will come to save us and raise us up to live with Him even though we are imperfect. “Let us return to the Lord…He will heal us.” Lent is a time for us to return to God and allow Him to bring us closer to Him. We do this through Mass, Stations, private prayer, almsgiving, fasting and other activities. Sometimes, though, we still feel inadequate. We know that we need God to heal us, but giving everything over to God can be daunting.

In The Great Gatsby, the narrator Nick Carraway admires his friend Gatsby for having an “extraordinary gift for hope.” At times, believing that God loves us, heals us and never forgets or abandons us takes extraordinary hope. If we’re open to God’s grace, we can find the hope to believe in God no matter what mistakes we make, what bad things happen to us, or what failings we have. Gatsby also has a “romantic readiness” about him that allows him to never give up on love. One of the best ways that we grow in faith is by loving others and developing our love with God. Like Gatsby, we need both great hope and great love to find God and make Him part of our lives this Lent.

Laura F.

Monday of the Third Week of Lent

I’d like to take this week’s reflection in a different direction. A dear friend of mine recently attended a SEARCH retreat at her college, and was telling me wonderful things about it. While discussing it, we stumbled upon the wonderful analogy between our relationship with God, and magazine subscriptions. You see, our initial encounter with God is when we are very young and can’t necessarily choose for ourselves if we’d like to “subscribe” to Him or not. So others (our parents and godparents) fill out “our subscription” for us at our baptism. After receiving God for many years, we make the decision ourselves to continue “subscribing” to Him at our confirmation. We get our name put on the magazine, and now more than ever it is our responsibility to continually renew our “subscription” with Him. My big question now is, what have you been doing to “renew” your “subscription”? Lent is truly a time of renewal, so I’d like to spend a minute discussing different ways for you to renew your “subscription” to God.

            First, and foremost, take a quick stop into Campus Ministries. The wonderful people working there are always more than willing to help lead you in the right direction. Ask about retreats coming up (a surefire way to renew your relationship with God), or even simply ask about how you could get involved with Campus Ministries. Retreats not really your style? There are still so many options! Take for example the weekly opportunities that the student body is supplied with by Campus Ministries. Every Thursday during Lent, Stations of the Cross are held at 4:40 PM in Chapel of the Sacred Heart, and the Examen reflection is held there at 9:30 PM that same night. Attend one of the many Quote Walks held throughout the semester or attempt to get to daily mass once a week. Still not feeling any of these? Alright, I’ll provide you with possibly the easiest way to renew your relationship with God. Ready? Sit. That’s it. Sit in silence. Listen to everything around you: the hum of your laptop fan, your breathing, the shutting of doors in the hallway. If you sit just for two minutes in silence, I can guarantee that you’ll hear God. Better yet, go outside. Look up at the sky. Think of how amazing our world is. You’ll see God there.

Simply picking one of those (or your own) methods of renewing your relationship with God will bring peace to your daily hectic life. There is one large difference between our relationship with God and magazine subscriptions however…God subscribes back. In fact, God has been subscribing to you since before you were born (go look up Jeremiah 1:5!). Will you continue to renew your “subscription” to him?

Eric C ‘16

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

As the grey skies of February drag into March, classes grow busier, days grow even rainier, and years appear to stretch between today and spring break. During this time of year, one can easily feel overwhelmed by lethargy and anxiety—after all, who doesn’t feel like just going back to bed some days?—but for many students, these feelings can become so all-encompassing that they evolve into a different beast; depression. Depression can creep upon a person so quietly, he or she does not notice it until it becomes unwieldy. One feeling depressed typically feels alone, and may push others away; even the Lord. However, even when we turn our backs to the Lord, he reaches out to us. He longs for our joy. He is not some distant entity who sees but cannot sympathize—He understands pain not only because of the sacrifice He made on the cross, but the crosses we carry each day. He weeps with us.

Personally, I take great comfort in reflecting upon God’s promise of peace, from John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” There is no pain in this world that Christ has not felt and defeated, and He readily gives us the strength to do the same. No feeling can overcome the peace that will come from resting in the arms of our Father in heaven.

This Lent, we as a community should work to offer our suffering up to the Lord, and always to keep in mind the image of Him, walking beside us, lightening the weight of our crosses.

Cailin Class of '16

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Hey, is anyone else losing steam with this Lent thing? Who is tempted to start doing everything they gave up and skip right to Easter? Me a little bit, at least until I take a step back and look at what Lent is meant to do for us.

            Lent is a preparation; a preparation to get our our hearts and minds ready for when Jesus dies and rises. While it happens every year, each time we can enter in a deeper understanding of Jesus and ourselves and how those two fit together. Easter just wouldn’t mean as much without these preparations. It would just seem to come and go without us gaining all we could because we simply weren’t ready.

            I have seen these types of situations occur in my life. Sometimes I’m impatient and want things to just get here already. How often have we missed out on enjoying the week before break because we are all so focused on getting home? But the journey there makes the end result worthwhile and it great in its own right.

            So on this day of Lent, I will take a step back and try to remember that this Lenten path is just as fruitful as Easter, and will make the holiday even better. I challenge you to look at your Lent in this way as well.

-Lauren G. - Class of 2013

Another Lenten Reflection for Friday of the First Week of Lent

We have two writers today!  God is good.  Keep on sending in your reflections.  People all over the world can share your thoughts and spiritual energy.
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Lent is a time for personal reflection, a time to take a closer look at our lives, repent for our sins and look to see what we can do differently, in order to be men and women for others.  Most people, myself included, typically give up something for Lent, whether it be a favorite food, a favorite electronic device or a favorite hobby.  It seems that every year I hear people speak about what they are giving up for Lent; however it is also important to realize that we can choose to do something for Lent as well. 

We can choose to perform acts of kindness during Lent, or simply search for a way to show our appreciation to God for everything we have.  It often happens that we pray to God when we want a specific blessing in our lives and while it is important to pray for those things that are important to us, it is also important to thank God for everything He has already blessed us with in our lives.  We often tend to overlook the power of a simple “thank you,” which is a sign of respect and shows our gratitude to those who have helped us.

God is more than deserving of a “thank you” because He gave His only son, Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins.  This is truly the ultimate gift for which we should always be grateful.  It is important to realize that by thanking God every day, if only for a minute, we are allowing ourselves to move past our needs and wants, in order to put Him above all else.  If we step back and take a moment to appreciate the things that God has given us, we will be able to reach a certain level of happiness.  It is when we are truly content with our blessings that we can be happy. This Lenten season, try to reflect on your own life and thank God for the gifts He has given you. 

-          Kim E, Class of 2013

Friday of the First Week of Lent

I can´t get this past Sunday´s Gospel out of my head. Do you remember what it was? =) After going to Mass on Ash Wednesday, complete with getting ashes on my forehead and making my plans as to what I was going to give up during Lent, this past Sunday when I was in mass the Gospel hit me over the head like a sledge hammer because it really helped me see Lent through different lenses. Hearing the story about Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit into the desert for forty days to be tempted by the devil, without food, should really put our Lenten journey into perspective.

First of all, we have the example of Jesus who follows the Holy Spirit into the barren desert to fast and pray for forty days. Now that I live in Mexico for the school semester I understand what the desert is like physically. It is very cold through the night and through the morning, and of course, very hot during the day. Also, the barren desert is nothing but dirt, dust, and cacti. But why does Jesus go into the desert without food to be tempted by the devil?

1. Jesus goes to PRAY, which strengthens his relationship with the Father, and Jesus denies the devil in the process saying, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” 

2. Jesus goes to fast in the desert in order to accomplish the same goal, which is to strengthen his relationship with the Father by showing him that the following statement is true: “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.”

This Lent we have the opportunity to follow the example of Jesus with our OWN Lenten observance, following Jesus who goes to spend time in the barren desert to 1. To pray 2. To fast 3. Be tempted by the devil himself, all in order to become closer to God and experience his saving graces. We should do this not because the Pope and the Catholic Church as an Institution tells us to do it, but because we want to follow the our role model, friend, and our brother, Jesus.

Ciro  ‘14

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

Today, Feb 14th, the campus is a sea of red and pink hearts, sweet stuffed animals, long stemmed roses, and, of course, lots of candy—it must be Valentine’s day.  Love is on the minds and in the hearts of many students.  Classmates and friends all over campus are exchanging hugs and “I love you”s; The University is bursting with the joy brought about by love that is true and real, regardless of the superficial and commercial nature of the holiday. That overwhelming love and joy should be constant, especially during lent—God’s love is, after all, the reason for the season, as the constantly quoted John 3:16 points out “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love is truly unconditional, and He shows it in every moment and every facet of being. It is, then, our responsibility to reflect that love like the sea reflects the sky.

            Certainly, to love as God does, unconditionally, is no easy feat, but really, that’s a good thing. We do not take for granted that which challenges us. Therefore, I challenge the University as a whole, including myself, to look towards everyone with love this Lenten season, the same way we look with love towards each other on Valentine’s day; the same way God looks towards us with love. If everyone does this, by the end of Lent, no one in a five-mile radius of the school will have any doubt that he or she is loved, no matter what.

Cailin, Class of '16

Ash Wednesday 2013

ASH WEDNESDAY: Feb 13 2013.  In his Introduction to Christianity, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) writes, “one could very well describe Christianity as a philosophy of freedom” and “The Christian message is basically nothing else than the transmission of the testimony that love has managed to break through death here and thus has transformed fundamentally the situation of us all” (1968, p. 158; p. 307).  

As we begin Lent, once again let's claim our freedom (cf. Gal 5:1) as sons and daughters of a loving God who gently and gradually transforms us into persons who can live in love forever. Lent is a time to prepare ourselves and participate more fully in the great transformation worked in us by Baptism and our participation in the sacramental life of the church.  We need to know and live our faith.  Why?

Without faith, all falls apart. All burns down.  There's an old story about the clown who ran into town from the fields outside where they were setting up the Big Top.  He yelled the Circus was on fire.  Everyone thought he was drumming up business for the show and laughed while ignoring his cries for help.  He continued to yell, "NO, the Tent really is on fire.  Come and help me put it out."  No one believed him.  They thought it was just part of the show.  Soon, the fire spread to the outskirts of town and quickly erupted, burning everything to the ground.  No one had paid any real attention to the cries of the clown.

Let's proclaim Christ these days.  Let's show by the ashes on our foreheads that we want to live in true freedom, knowing that love has broken through death and destruction.  Our situation is fundamentally transformed.  Deo Gratias.

Fourth Week of Lent: Monday

Here we are, already in the fourth week of Lent! I always found this time to be a good place to reflect on the past few weeks, on our triumphs and failures as we prepare for Jesus’ death and resurrection. This past weekend I went on the retreat to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY which provided a great opportunity for such reflection. The retreat, called “Looking for the Signs,” explored the idea that we can find God in any and every aspect of our lives, even something like baseball. Though we go out of our way during Lent to give up a favorite of ours or add something new into our routine, it is also in the everyday stuff that we can find God’s grace and love.  There may be days when we don’t follow through on whatever our sacrifices are, but maybe we also fail to see the tiny blessings that God has planted in our lives. If we open our eyes enough to find them our days will surely be enriched. As we begin this week, about halfway through our Lenten journey, it is the perfect time to renew our enthusiasm and search for those signs with renewed energy and faith. It can be something as simple as an A on a paper or the smile of a friend. For me Lent is about growing a little bit closer to God, and if we acknowledge these daily blessings as gifts from the God who loves us, we can only grow nearer to him in this season. So this week challenge yourself to find at least one unexpected sign of God’s love in your life and thank him for it as we rapidly approach the Cross, the greatest sign of his love for us.

-  Erin H.

Third Week of Lent: Thursday

We have always been told that lent is a time for reflection, but do we really take the time out of our day to reflect on what God has given us? I know it isn’t always easy to take time out our busy college schedule to reflect on our life. But this season of Lent I have spent more time reflecting on what I have been given and seeing God in my life.  And I can honestly say I have seen an improvement in my life and relationship with God.  So I challenge you all to take 5 minutes out of your day and sit in silence and reflect, or to spend those 5 minutes to write down things you are thankful for or where you saw God today. Those 5 minutes daily will truly help us live out the spirit of Lent.

Tim W.   Class 2013

Third Week of Lent: Wednesday

 

The Annunciation by Henry Tanner

Meditation, the word brings to mind someone in white linen clothes sitting with their legs folded saying, “Ommmmm.” However, meditation takes many forms. Some people meditate in silence, while others prefer to have calming music in the background. You can meditate over a bible passage, a concept, favorite quote, or even you daily events. The method and content of your meditation is left to your discretion. This is prayer your way. It is customizable and helps you to focus on the parts of your relationship with God, which are most important to you at a given moment.

A peace and tranquility come with meditation. It is a way to not just speak with God, but to be with Him. It enables you to place yourself in His presence entirely. Remove all other distractions of life and focus solely on the love, grace and joy that God offers us every day. This Lenten Season find a quite time when you are alone in your dorm room and meditate or try the Examen an Ignatian form of meditation. Some quite time to reflect on how God influences your life can help put your stresses at ease. Knowing that we are connected with someone who loves us so much, can bring the calm we all need during our busy school days.

Thanks,  Mary R.  Class of 2013

First Week of Lent: Friday

Hey guys,  It is my turn for a reflection on the season of lent. I know you guys are off to your various spring break trips, safe travels to you all, but I want to remember to keep this season in mind as well.

The main activities for those who observe lent are prayer, repentance, almsgiving, and self-denial. Prayer, repentance, and almsgiving are common for Catholics to do. Self-denial seems to be something that we can do but we only think of doing it but once a year. While we only do this but once a year people often complain about what they have given up for lent. These complaints defeat the purpose of self-denial and it makes us seem as though we are spoiled.

I challenge you to not complain about what you gave up for as many days as you can. Instead of wasting your energy complaining about what you gave meditate and reflect on who you are as a catholic or reflect on the fact of what if you didn’t have what you gave up in the first place. I also have one more challenge for you. I want you to use one of your talents for others and as a meditation for yourself. My favorite things to do are photography and singing. I will use my photography for others for this lent to make people happy. My singing will help me reflect because choir sings spiritual songs and on other occasions Jesus Christ Superstar music because it is the story of Christ’s suffering. Thinks of ways you can do this as well.

Have a good break.

Shawn K.  ‘14

First Week of Lent: Thursday

Lent is one of my favorite times of year. I love Lent because it is so personal. For me, Lent is about picking up, looking in “the mirror of my life” and figuring out how and what I can do to improve.

I find in Lent particularly, there are so many opportunities for grace. It is a time to realize that there is Love absolutely unimaginable yet completely real that sacrificed His only Son for me. It was personal; Jesus died for me. He loves me… even with all of my many imperfections. Sometimes it is hard to remember this, especially when we are taking extra care to recognize our faults and correct them. The challenge comes in accepting that we are imperfect, but still loved.

So like the Gospel for today says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” This Lent let us take the time to ask, knock, and seek because God is waiting to answer.

-  Alyssa T.

First Week of Lent: Tuesday

In Lent, we all decide that we want to give up something.  I don’t know, I feel like that’s not quite enough. It’s almost as if it isn’t really making much of a difference in our lives, or more importantly, in the lives of others. The gospel reading for today is the story of the goats and the sheep. The sheep were people who did good things for others and the goats were the ones who didn’t. Obviously, everyone would much rather be a sheep, but how do we do that? I guess Lent, for me, is a time of sheep-liness. I give up something, but I keep it personal so that it is something between Me and God.

More importantly though, during Lent I make sure to go out of my way to help others. Every day in Lent I set a goal for myself to do at least 1 good action I would not have otherwise done and to make at least 3 people smile. Spreading happiness and goodness to others is what Lent is all about for me, and I find that it feels amazing to do stuff like this. We all just have to remember that Lent isn’t just about giving something up, but also about giving ourselves up to others.

-Peter A. ‘14