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On That Holy Mountain

Daily Reflections for the Advent Season

November 28, 2010 – December 25, 2010

Students of The Catholic University of America

Office of Campus Ministry

Students of The Catholic University of America


A Season to Prepare….

Edward Hayes, a contemporary spiritual writer,

states that:

Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and

reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time,

fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If

Christ is to come more fully into our lives this

Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us,

then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our

worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire

in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a

great responsibility not to waste this Advent time.

We challenge you to take on the great responsibility

of not wasting this Advent Season. We hope that

these reflections will help guide your prayer and

bring you into a deeper relationship with the Christ

we joyfully wait for!

~ Students of the Advent Faith Formation Committee


The Catholic University of America

620 Michigan Ave, NE

Washington, DC 20064

First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2010

Stay awake!

For you do not know the hour the Lord will come!

Scripture: Is. 2: 1-5, Ps 122:1-9, Rom. 13:11-14: Matt. 24: 37-44

Reflection: Have you ever had a surprise visit from a friend

or family member, perhaps your mother or father? They call

and say, “Hi, we are here to visit! Come let us in!” At that

point, you look at your room and see all the dirty clothes

lying around, the books and papers scattered on your desk,

or perhaps the plates of food left out. You scramble around

to make it look a little presentable to your guest; however,

no matter what you do it still looks messy.

This is the heart of what Jesus’ message is on this first

week of advent. We know that advent is a time of preparing

for Christmas, for the birth of baby Jesus. However today we

are reminded about the fact that Jesus will come again. We

don’t know when that will be. Jesus could return tomorrow,

it could be next month, Jesus could even return in 2012 (not

even the Mayans know!). The point is that only God knows

when Christ will return.

Perhaps it may be hard to think about Christ during

these times with papers piling up, finals in the horizon,

presents to buy. He may get lost in our focus to do well in

school or to show our guests a good time.

Through the chaos of the next month, we need to keep

Christ in our hearts and prepare for the coming of our

savior!

Reflection by: Will Tarraza – Class of 2011

Monday of the First Week of Advent

November 29, 2010

I rejoiced when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Scripture: Isaiah 4: 2-6; Psalm 122:1-2; Matthew 8: 5-11

Reflection: Advent is a time of discovery and fulfillment.

We find something new every time we participate in a

Christmastime activity, renew our relationships, or

participate at liturgy during the magic of Advent. All of this

discovery during Advent time is fulfilled on December 25th

when our Lord, Jesus Christ was born.

In today’s gospel, the centurion discovers the love of

Christ through his unconditional support for his faith that

others would call faulted. In this episode, the discovery is

fulfilled through Jesus’ promise of the banquet in the

Kingdom of heaven. We are called to constantly seek

fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. Advent is a time of

preparation, and one of the most beautiful things about all

the preparing is the opportunity to discover and renew our

faith in everything that we do and everyone that we meet.

The preparation that we practice in readying ourselves for

the birth of Jesus is parallel to the preparing we are called to

do as people of faith.

As we prepare for this joyful celebration, we must

remember to prepare for our fulfillment in the Kingdom of

God. As we slowly discover during Advent, we are called to

realize the purpose of our faith toward the ultimate goal—

fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.

Reflection by: Lauren Scharmer- Class of 2014

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

November 30, 2010

Come after me,

and I will make you fishers of men

Scripture: Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:2-5; Matthew 4: 18-22

Reflection: In our everyday life God is calling out to us.

Sometimes he is loud and screams for us to turn around to

see that he is there, that we might follow him. Other times,

however, God whispers to us softly, to remind us to believe

in his word and to make the right decisions. No matter what,

God always beckons us to trust. We are called by God to

abandon our selfishness and live a life that proves we are

witnesses to God’s love.

God’s call leads us to discover our new life in him and

guides us to finding our vocation. The Gospel story today

shows that those who follow Jesus must abandon their fear

and hesitation. Pope Benedict XVI says, "Do not be afraid of

Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything.

When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in

return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ - and you

will find true life."

What fears do I carry that make me unable to answer God’s

call in my life without hesitation?

Reflection by: Rylee Magee – Class of 2014

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

December 1, 2010

The LORD is my shepherd;

there is nothing I lack

Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 15: 29-37

Reflection: Imagine what it would be like to be right next to

Jesus: sitting at his feet, seeing his face, being cured by him.

In this first part of the Gospel, Jesus is performing healing

miracles for the people. In the second part of the Gospel,

moved by the people who came to see him, Jesus takes on a

new miracle. Attentive to the needs of the famished crowd,

Jesus multiples the loaves and fish to feed them. He charges

his disciples to carry out this mission, but they are unsure of

how to accomplish it with such a small amount of food. But

Jesus is there to reassure them. The disciples take the loaves

and fish to the people, and there was plenty left over to feed

the ever-growing crowd, while still having seven full baskets

left over.

These two actions, healing and feeding, seem to be miracles

that Jesus often performs throughout the Gospels as a whole.

He loves, cares, heals, and gives abundantly. This Gospel

shows that we can all be moved, healed and fed by Jesus’

abundance.

Take this Advent season to explore where you need Jesus’

healing, care, and love in your life.

Reflection by: Amanda Ceraldi – Class of 2014

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

December 2, 2010

Trust in the LORD forever!

For the LORD is and eternal Rock.

Scripture: Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; Matthew 4: 18-22

Reflection: In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus speaks of

the benefits of building a house on a sturdy foundation, and

the dangers of building on ground that is unstable. The

house that Jesus is referring to represents our faith. This

reading is saying that in order to protect ourselves from the

constant torrent of sin, relativism, and indifference in our

world, we must be firmly grounded on the Rock who is

Jesus Christ.

This reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel is found at the

end of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gives his

discourse on discipleship and what it means to live out the

will of God. If we look at other sections of the sermon, we

will find Jesus’ teachings on the Beatitudes, loving one’s

enemy, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. All in all, Jesus is

teaching his disciples (and us by extension) that merely

saying we believe is not enough. Our faith must be lived out

in order for it to have any kind of resilience or durability.

We must reinforce our faith by taking part in good works,

which then allows us to see Christ in those that we serve.

When we allow ourselves to be open to these experiences,

we become increasingly aware of the beauty and promise of

the Incarnation, which we joyfully await during the Advent

season.

Reflection by: Brett Garland – Class of 2013

Friday of the First Week of Advent

December 3, 2010

Do you believe that I can do this?

Scripture: Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27:1,4,13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

Reflection: In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives sight to the blind.

Jesus passed by the two blind men, and they somehow knew

he had passed and followed him. Even before they could

see, they were still able to follow Jesus. Then, Jesus told the

two men if they believed that he could give them sight, and

they said, “Yes, Lord.” Because of their faith and belief in

Jesus and his healing hand, their eyes were opened. These

two men can now see because of their faith. How amazing is

that?

It is so important to remember that even if we cannot see

what lies ahead for us, we need to have faith that Jesus will

be with us every step of the way. If we are going through a

struggle, we can’t abandon Jesus—he is our light and

salvation. He is our refuge and is on our side!

Do you feel like your faith guides you? As this Advent

journey continues, we need to keep our faith. We need to

prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. We need to keep

our eyes open and set in faith.

Reflection by: Kara Stauffer – Class of 2013

Saturday of the First Week of Advent

December 4, 2010

Without cost have you received;

without cost you are to give.

Scripture: Isaiah 30: 19-21,23-26; Psalm 147:1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1,6-8

Reflection: In today’s readings, we see Jesus reacting to the

troubled and abandoned by being compassionate and caring

for all the suffering. This Advent we are called again to this

mission of building God’s Kingdom already, but not

completely, established. Because of this call, we must be

aware of the cry of the poor and suffering of those around

us. We must be as compassionate and caring for the poor

and suffering as Jesus was.

Make the words of our late Holy Father Pope John Paul II

your own: “May the Son of God who became man for our

salvation give you the courage to seek the truth about

yourselves in the light of his infinite love! Our Redeemer is

now close: go forth to meet him!”

If we are to meet Christ, we must willingly open ourselves to

the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When we begin to

rediscover Christ this Advent, let us thank him for this new

opportunity. Let us ask Christ to teach us to live it well,

watching and hoping, so that we will discover everything he

wants to show us in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Reflection by: Alex Boucher- Class of 2012

Second Sunday of Advent

December 5, 2010

Repent!

For the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Romans 15:4-9: Matt 3:1-12

Reflection: In today’s gospel we see Pharisees and

Sadducees as inspired by the message of John the Baptist. As

a friend of mine once said, “You can’t understand the New

Testament without the Old Testament.” These guys really

understood the Old Testament, and realized John was

quoting the prophets. But he was quoting the prophets to

bring about a greater awareness of the need for conversion

and repentance- and not by just using words, but by doing

good deeds. God has the power to save anyone who acts in

accord with his word.

What can we do this advent to show that we are preparing

for the coming of Christ? How can we show that we are

bearing fruit on our proverbial trees? Perhaps we could

allow the Holy Spirit to move us towards a particular service

opportunity this advent. Maybe taking time out of our busy

schedules to have coffee with that person we have been

putting off or sharing our notes with that kid who never

shows up to class. The heart of this message is to not talk

about the coming of Christ, but to show the coming of Christ

in our everyday actions. May we have the courage to show

the fruits on our trees and be good to all and not just those

who are good to us. May we be able to show love out of love

and not fear.

Reflection by: Will Tarraza – Class of 2011

Monday of the Second Week of Advent

December 6, 2010

They glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said,

“We have seen incredible things today.”

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3,10-13; Luke 5:17-26

Reflection: As we prepare everyday of our lives for the

Kingdom of God, and every day during Advent for the birth

of Jesus, we are constantly renewed in our faith and live in

constant awe of his message.

As the men in the Gospel demonstrate, it is in our

human nature to need proof of Jesus’ power to his role as

Son of God. These men needed to see Jesus perform a

miracle for the paralytic, but what they did not realize was

that the real miracle is the gift of Jesus’ love and salvation.

Advent is filled with tangible things, whether it is the

wreaths that fill our churches or the carolers whose music

fills the streets. What we must realize is that the true gift we

receive is not in the tangible, but often times the intangible.

The tangible things that we experience, big or small, are

everyday reminders of Christ’s love and mercy. To see him

moving in our world today, we need to work towards being

proof of Christ for those we meet. Our faith is supported and

nurtured by the works of Christ in those around us. We

must always remain vigilant and take the time to notice the

gifts and miracles that happen every day.

We may not see great miracles, like the healing of the

paralytic, but if we look close enough, we can see many and

small changes and moments of grace in our lives and the

lives of those around us. The true miracle of our faith is the

intangible: our faith in Christ. Reflection by: Lauren Scharmer- Class of 2014

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

December 7, 2010

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3,10-13; Matthew 18:12-14

Reflection: Advent is the preparation for the Lord’s coming

as an infant at Christmas, but it is also a time for us to

prepare for our Lord’s second coming. God never abandons

us; he will seek out just one of his children who is lost and

carry them back to his flock. When we are led astray, God

gathers us into his warm embrace like the lambs in the

shepherd’s arms.

The shepherd always goes after the missing sheep and lends

an outstretched hand to them; then they too must turn to

them. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto

the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find

grace to help in time of need.” for we are to trust in the love

and mercy of our forgiving God because He will not

abandon us. We are reminded of this even in Deuteronomy

31:8 – “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with

you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be

dismayed.”

Take some time to be with others who may feel unwelcome

or lost and need a shepherd’s care. Be the face of Christ for

them this Advent season.

Reflection by: Rylee Magee – Class of 2014

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

December 8, 2010

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.

Scripture: Genesis 3:9-15,20; Psalm 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Reflection: Mary is a key figure in the celebration of Advent.

But how? Advent is about the coming of Christ, past,

present, and future. His coming is not possible without the

willingness of Mary. Luke’s Gospel reminds us how

important Mary is to our faith, especially during Advent.

Her willingness to be “the handmaid of the Lord” shares

with us the gift of Jesus Christ.

Even though Mary was afraid, she said yes. We are called

during this Advent season to say yes as well. By saying yes,

we are committing ourselves to Jesus, but we are never in

our “Yes” to God. Today’s feast of the Immaculate

Conception reminds us of the love we share with our

families, with Mary, and with our Christian brothers and

sisters during the Advent season. Mary guides us to the

coming of Jesus by being a model of submission to God’s

will in our lives.

In what surprising ways has God come to you? What are

some ways you can find strength to say “Yes” to God’s call

in your life?


Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

December 9, 2010

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women

there has been none greater than John the Baptist

Scripture: Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145: 1,9-13; Matthew 11:11-15

Reflection: John the Baptist is a very peculiar character in

the Gospel. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that he lived in

isolation in the wilderness where he ate locusts and honey.

In addition, many times in art he is depicted as a wild man

with a long beard, unkempt hair, and dressed in a robe

made of camel’s hair. His appearance doesn’t seem to fit

that of an individual who had such a significant role to play

in salvation history. Yet, despite his appearance, God used

John as an instrument of preparation, a way to ready his

people for the coming of the Messiah.

We many times judge people by their appearances because

we live in a very visually-oriented culture. Appearances

matter. But, as the example of John the Baptist

demonstrates, God often chooses people who we would

least-expect to reveal himself to us. Think about the

unassuming people in your life. Is God revealing something

of himself through these individuals?

Reflection by: Brett Garland—Class of 2013

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

December 10, 2010

Those who follow you, Lord,

will have the light of life

Scripture: Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1: 1-4,6; Matthew 11:16-19

Reflection: Week two of Advent is almost over—we are just

about at the halfway mark in this season. As we carry on

over the next few weeks, we should try to find peace in this

stressful and busy world and rediscover our hope in Christ

daily. If we want to have the light of life, we need to follow

Jesus. The Lord leads us where we need to go, and we need

to follow in faith. Through our journeys in life, it is so

important to not get discouraged. We all experience

situations where we get misjudged by others, just like how

John and Jesus were in the Gospel. People might place

judgments on us, so how can we get past that? How are we

supposed to rise above them?

Well, Jesus tells us that “wisdom is vindicated by her

works.” If we believe in the wisdom of our actions and trust

in ourselves and in God’s word, then we can continue to live

in faith even when being misjudged. We need to have the

strength to not believe the malicious actions and thoughts of

others, and to always be strong in the Lord. Always pray for

wisdom, peace, and courage.


Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

December 11, 2010

Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;

but I tell you that Elijah has already come

Scripture: Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-1; Ps 80:2-32, 15-16, 18-19; Matt. 17:10-13

Reflection: In today’s gospel, John the Baptist is seen as one

who points the way to Christ. John the Baptist lived all his

life in the service of God. We admire these biblical people

for their radical devotion, but how can their example be

relevant to us today, as we are caught up with family and

work commitments – the things of ordinary life? Often we

find the spiritual side is neglected.

Both Jesus and Elijah called the faithful back to following the

word of God: love our enemies, care for the poor and the

afflicted, show compassion to all. These are not popular

ideas in the world today. May we be emboldened to follow

in the footsteps of John the Baptist, the prophets, and Jesus,

and be advocates for peace in a world at war, love in a world

of hate, and generosity in a world of greed. Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,

my memory, my understanding

and my entire will,

All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.

To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.

Give me only your love and your grace.

That is enough for me.

-Suscipe, St. Ignatius of Loyola

Reflection by: Alex Boucher – Class of 2012

Third Sunday of Advent

December 12, 2010

Be strong, fear not!

Here is your God.

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; Ps 146:6-10; James 5:7-10; Matt. 1:2-11

Reflection: It has been three weeks now that we have

anticipated and awaited the coming of the Lord. In this time

of waiting, it is normal for us to begin doubting and

questioning, like John did in the Gospel for today, “are you

the one who is to come or should we look for another.” This

is the time that we can look to the first two readings for

words of consolation. In the first reading, Isaiah tells us that

in these times of anxiety we must “say to those whose hearts

are frightened: Be strong, fear not!” In the second reading

James makes it clear that, “you too must be patient. Make

your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

John and those who he sent, like many of us, begin to

doubt and become fearful when things don’t happen in the

timeframe that we expect. The readings this Sunday remind

us that it is in these times of fear and anxiety we need to

remember that this waiting for our savior is a period of

JOYFUL anticipation. Claire of Assisi says ““Melancholy is

the poison of devotion. When one is in tribulation, it is

necessary to be more happy and more joyful because one is

nearer to God.” As the end of advent approaches bringing us

nearer to God, let us remember to not let fear and anxieties

control us, but rather to let our hearts be filled with Joy!

Reflection by: Pam Tremblay – Class of 2011

Monday of the Third Week of Advent

December 13, 2010

Make me know your ways, Lord.

Teach me your paths.

Scripture: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Ps 25:4-9; Matt. 21:23-27

Reflection: With the season of Advent comes an attitude of

giving, anticipation, and waiting. We become somewhat

restless in waiting the birth of Christ and Christmas day.

Inherent any anticipation is the sense that everything should

go exactly as we plan, and furthermore that we must know

everything that will happen to us. Although it is true that

there are times where we can anticipate things, one of the

things that this Gospel teaches us is that only God knows

what will happen and that it is okay for us to not know

everything.

Like the man that Jesus spoke to in the Gospel, we will never

be able to fully understand and discern what God has

planned for us. During this season of Advent, be diligent in

working towards an attitude of waiting and readiness for

what happens in our lives. This attitude can be sharpened in

our relationships letting friends make decisions, or in a class

where we feel like our frustration is overcoming us. We

must move towards an attitude of readiness in this season of

wanting and in waiting, steadfast in the knowledge that God

will care for us all the days of our lives.

Reflection by: Lauren Scharmer – 2014

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

December 14, 2010

And you shall no longer exalt yourself

on my holy mountain

Scripture: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Matt. 21:28-32

Reflection: Sometimes we look at others and think, “I at

least know that prayer” or “I go to adoration way more than

they do.” In comparing our outward actions with those of

others, we simply put ourselves in positions of better and

less than. But aren’t we called to more? Today’s gospel

readings tell us that saying the right words does not grant us

salvation; it is in a conversion of heart that we are saved. The

first brother, like the tax collector and prostitutes, may not

have done the right thing or had the right answer at first, but

because of their conversion of heart, they were welcomed

into the Kingdom of God.

We are challenged today to reflect on what motivates

us deep within. Jesus knows that even those who might, on

the outside, not appear “pious” or “holy” by our estimation,

actually live with the right motives and intentions. While

those who do, on the outside seem to be righteous may

actually live to serve themselves and their own desires.

That’s why Jesus shares a table with the sinner! And so,

Christ calls us to continually turn to him and live in his life-

giving love that leads to our conversion of heart and interior

transformation. So, as we continue to await the coming of

our Lord, look inside yourself and ask who and what it is

that motivates you? How it is that you can continually have

a conversion of heart to Christ?


Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

December 15, 2010

Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth,

for I am God; there is no other!

Scripture: Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25; Ps 85:9-14; Luke 7:18-23

Reflection: As humans it is natural for us to question. We

question our parents, our teachers, and many other types of

authority. But, it is also not unnatural for us to question

God.

In Luke’s Gospel today the disciples are questioning the

Lord asking if he is “the one”. This questioning allowed the

men to look deeper and see who truly Jesus is. Because

Jesus cured the men of their affliction, they no longer had

need to questioning Jesus. All of their questions had been

answered by the change he brought to their lives. They then,

put their faith in him.

It is easy for us to get caught up in the holiday season and

lose sight of the meaning of Advent and Christmas; we can

lose our ability to see that Jesus is the one, just like the

disciples did. It is necessary for us to not lose sight, that,

despite our doubt, despite our insecurities, despite the need

for a drastic change in our lives, Jesus will be the change we

need. We must first challenge ourselves to find how Jesus is

already working in our own lives.


Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

December 16, 2010

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.

Scripture: Isaiah 54:1-10; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Luke 7:24-30

Reflection: In today’s reading from Luke, we see Jesus

explain that he is sending his messenger ahead not for his

sake, but for ours. He sends the messenger to prepare the

way for us, so that we may know and understand him and

his teachings. In every generation, there are great

messengers sent to help prepare the way for the Lord–

calling us to change our hearts and minds to more better

carry out Christ’s work. We have messengers like Martin

Luther King Jr. who prepared the way of peace and justice

within a society that was not fully accepting, or Mother

Teresa, who in her actions reminds us to care for those who

have been forgotten, giving all people, regardless of their

societal status, love and kindness, or Dorothy Day, who

provided us with the example of how we are called to care

for our neighbors and provide for those who lack simple

necessities like shelter and food.

The question then arises: do we recognize the

messengers in our lives? Do we recognize the ways in which

those closest to us prepare the way for us? Every day there

are others who help us recognize the way in which we are

called to act, both in our day-to-day and spiritual lives. As

we are near the end of this Advent season, reflect on who it

is in your life that is a messenger for you? Ask yourself how

you can be a messenger for others.


Friday of the Third Week of Advent

December 17, 2010

O Wisdom, O Holy Word of God!

Justice shall flourish in his time,

and fullness of peace for ever

Scripture: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17

Reflection: When we look at a nativity scene, we see baby

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at the center. One of the best parts

about Christmas is the fact that we recognize not only Jesus’

birth, but this Holy Family.

Jesus is a human being who is born as a baby, and grows up

just like we did. He has a family that we all become a part of.

In today’s Gospel, we see the long genealogy of Jesus, which

can be extremely easy to get lost within. Through all of this,

we are reminded that Jesus is rooted in a real, historical

family tree—he doesn’t just come out of nowhere. Family

does matter, and we cannot forget that.

As Christmas quickly approaches us, we have the chance to

let Christ be born into our own families. We can welcome

Jesus into our homes, our hearts, and our lives. We are

reminded that this Holy Family is not just something of the

past, but it is present and alive in our faith communities

today. Together, we are a holy family at Catholic University,

united in hope, peace, joy, and love.


Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

December 18, 2010

O Sacred Lord of Ancient Israel!

Those who follow you, Lord,

will have the light of life.

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ps 72:1, 12-13, 18-19; Matt. 1:18-24

Reflection: There is a song that is usually sung in Latin, “Ubi

caritas et amor, Deus ibi est”(Translated as “Wherever there is

charity and love, there is God.”) Christ’s love has gathered

us into one body. This Creator God is particularly evident

during this season of Advent as Emmanuel, “God is with

us.” God is always with us. God’s love is always with us.

Saint John the Evangelist writes that “God is love” (1 John

4:8). True and authentic friendship with God is not

attainable without love because God is pure self-gift.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we read, “Blessed forever be

his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his

glory.” As we quickly approach Christmas, let us remember

the true meaning behind the purpose of Advent. Let us

never forget that it is our responsibility as Christians to

prepare the way of the Lord, most importantly, in our own

hearts.

Reflection by: Alex Boucher – Class of 2012

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 19, 2010

O Flower of Jesse’s Stem!

Joseph did what the angel commanded,

and took Mary into his home.

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matt. 1:18-24

Reflection: Christmas is quickly approaching, and today we

light the final candle of the Advent wreath. In today’s

second reading, St. Paul writes of the call to holiness. The

choice of living out our Christian faith is up to us. The

Trappist Monk Thomas Merton wrote that “to be a saint

means to be myself.” We are all called to holiness, we are all

called to love, and we are all called to be saints. Through

living out the love that Christ showed us on the cross, we all

help to do the work of Christ. There are plenty of little ways

that we can help to make Christ and his love known in our

friendships and relationships, with our families, and at

CUA.

Today at Mass we hear St. Matthew’s account of St. Joseph’s

“yes” to God. Continue to pray that God may deepen the

relationships that we have formed, and that we may grow

closer to him throughout the remainder of Advent. Lord, teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labor and not to ask for reward,

save that of knowing that I do your will.

-Prayer for Generosity, St. Ignatius of Loyola Reflection by: Alex Boucher – Class of 2012

Monday of the Fourth week of Advent

December 20, 2010

O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel!

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38

Reflection: One of the most difficult things for us to

comprehend at times is comfortable submission to God’s

will. When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, she did not flinch

in submitting to the angel’s announcement. Imagine

someone of her age being able to realize that submitting to

this call would be the best for her future. We too are called to

discern God’s will in our lives – whether we are called to

something comfortable or uncomfortable. What is so

beautiful about today’s reading is that even though Mary

was at first frightened, when she realized that she had

indeed found favor with God, she was at peace.

During this season of Advent, we are constantly reminded of

Mary’s sacrifice, and so grateful to her willingness and

wisdom in knowing that the greatest thing she could do is

submit to God’s will. Challenge yourself this Advent season

to offer up all of the stress and excitement that we may feel

so we can find peace in God’s call in our lives. Until we

discern his call in our lives and peace in it, we will find no

peace at all.

Reflection by: Lauren Scharmer – Class of 2014

Tuesday of the Fourth week of Advent

December 21, 2010

O Radiant Dawn,

Splendor of Eternal Light, Sun of Justice!

Most blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Scripture: Song of Songs 2:8-14; Ps 3:2-3, 11-12, 20-21: Luke 1:39-45

Reflection: In this Gospel we see how Mary is blessed.

When she visits Elizabeth they are both bearing children,

soon to be important leaders in our faith. Elizabeth is blessed

with John the Baptist, while Mary is given the gift of bearing

God's son. As soon as Mary enters, her presence is felt right

away by the infant in Elizabeth's womb. The holiness of both

Mary and Elizabeth and their visitation with one another is

evident because they both recognize God’s presence among

them and in the working of their lives.

Both women are open to the presence of God working

within them. How many times do we close ourselves off to

the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and blind ourselves to the

presence of Christ? How many times do we walk by others

without even looking at them? Or decide that we just don’t

have time to make it to Mass that day? Christ makes himself

present to us each day; through the people around us as well

as in the Eucharist. Yet, how many times do we keep our

selves from experiencing the joy that Elizabeth felt in the

presence of the Mary by not realizing Christ among us?

Reflection by: Mike Conroy – Class of 2012

Wednesday of the Fourth week of Advent

December 22, 2010

O King of All the Nations, O Keystone of

the Mighty Arch of Humankind!

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2: 1, 4-8; Luke 1:46-56

Reflection: With the birth of Jesus right around the corner,

we are avidly preparing for the coming of Christ, not only as

the infant, but his coming into our lives each day and for his

future coming. We see Mary encouraging, in Luke’s gospel,

to celebrate the Lord’s presence in our lives.

Everything that we are blessed with is a “great thing” done

by God, as Mary’s song proclaims. Mary is guiding us to

recognize the blessedness that comes from God. She is

urging us to rejoice in the Lord, celebrate his coming, and lift

up his name. By answering the call from God, and here

from Mary, we are allowing ourselves to be open to the joys

of Advent and the coming of Christ. We must rejoice and

prepare for Jesus by remembering the love that comes from

Mary urging us to rejoice to our God.

In this last week of Advent, sing God’s praises in your

everyday life by recognizing some of the good things that

God has blessed you with.


Thursday of the Fourth week of Advent

December 23, 2010

O Emanuel, Desire of the Nations,

Savior of all People!

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown

his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14; Luke 1:57-66

Reflection: What a blessed time this must have been in

Elizabeth’s life! She had waited so long for her prayers to be

answered, and finally, much later than she had expected, the

Lord gave her the beautiful gift of a son. Following John’s

birth, we are told that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives

“rejoiced with her” in thanksgiving for the mercy and love

that God had made known to them through this miracle.

By the time of John’s circumcision eight days later, it

seems that these well-meaning neighbors and relatives are

beginning to overstay their welcome. They insist that the

newborn be named Zechariah after his father without even

consulting the baby’s parents. And when Elizabeth tells

them that he is to be called John, they reject what she has

said until it is confirmed by Zechariah.

I’m sure we all have family members or friends that

bear resemblance to these individuals; those who try to do

what’s best, but at times inadvertently cause more harm

than good. During the holiday season especially, we run

into many of these family members. Just as in the Gospel,

we are brought together by rejoicing in the birth of a baby:

our Lord Jesus Christ. Will we allow the grace of this

celebration to work in our hearts? Will we allow it to heal

our broken relationships with family and friends? Reflection by: Brett Garland – Class of 2013

Vigil for the Solemnity of the Nativity

December 24, 2010

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel

Scripture: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25;

Matt 1:1-25

Reflection: For many days now we have been anxiously

preparing ourselves for the wonderful joys that Christmas

brings us. As the Advent journey comes to a close, a new

journey will begin. When the angel of the Lord came to

Joseph in a dream, Joseph obeyed the words of the angel and

thus began a new journey. Joseph took a great leap of faith

that day.

As we celebrate Christmas, we too are challenged to take a

leap of faith. Christmas is always an exciting time of year as

we share gifts and spend time with our families. With that

said, the challenge of tomorrow is to truly open our hearts to

the joy and splendor of the birth of our Savior. By opening

our hearts to the best gift of all, we can welcome Jesus into

our lives in a brand new way. We can renew our faith in him

and refocus our eyes and heart on what is truly important.

There will be great joy felt on that marvelous day; a joy that

will stay with us far beyond tomorrow. For, God is with us

and he is here to stay.


Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

December 25, 2010

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among them.

Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18

Reflection: Many spiritual writers comment that God

became human so that humanity might become more like

God. Too often that human divination seems like a once and

for all event. Must that necessarily be the case?

We have been journeying these past four weeks of

Advent, with the recognition that, yes, we are preparing for

the birth of Jesus at Christmas and for the second coming of

Christ. But might we also prepare for Christ’s coming every

day? Christmas is only the start of the story – for Jesus’

historical life on earth, but also for his abiding presence with

us, the community of believers.

Christmas can and must be an everyday experience for

us, but we must first allow it to be so. Christ must take flesh

in our lives anew and every day, for we are called to be the

incarnation of Christ! We give flesh to Christ when we care

for the poor and the vulnerable in our communities. We give

flesh to Christ when we comfort those who are in sorrow.

We give flesh to Christ when we help bring healing and

wholeness to someone who is hurting. We give flesh to

Christ when we mend division and free ourselves of hate.

We give flesh to Christ when we love others as God has

loved us. May the Word take flesh not only this Christmas

Day, but continually and at all times here at Catholic

University! Reflection by: David Pennington - Class of 2007

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