Academy of Saint Elizabeth Lenten Devotional “Preach the Gospel often, and when necessary use words.” This quote has been attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. This cannot be confirmed and, in the end, does it change the message based on who actually said it? I think not. All that should really matter is what direction the words guide our daily spiritual journey. The same can be said about our Lenten Devotional. Entirely written by those associated with this wonderful institution, the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, the devotional offers us a diverse perspective on where we all are on our paths. Whether written by a fifteen-year-old young woman, a faculty or staff member, or an alumna with many years of life experience, these insights are the ‘food’ we need for the journey. This year’s devotional was edited to offer the reader a mini Lectio Divina experience for the 40 days of Lent and beyond. You have the opportunity to read the entire readings of the day as listed in the headings or just focus in on the abbreviated passage that the author wanted to narrow in on. Your choice. Regardless of what you decide, spend a few minutes each day to read this devotional and appreciate the many life stories that will be shared to help us all through this Lenten season. I would like to thank all those who have helped create this year’s book. A special thanks to the administration of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth for supporting this project and for contributing to its content. Blessings also to the students and faculty, both past and present who added their candid reflections to help us all be better people. Finally, much appreciation to Megan Knight, our Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, for her countless hours of help with the cover design, editing, and publishing. Try to find the message that helps you the most and see if you can use it to make both you and those around you better followers of Christ. In yet another supposed quote, this one about footprints in the sand, always remember when the two sets become one, Jesus did not abandon you, He carried you. Let Him carry you this Lent with the help of this devotional. May God Bless you on your Lenten journey and have a blessed Easter season.
Deacon Russ Raffay History and Theology Department Faculty Member
Wednesday | February 14, 2024 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:12-18 | 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ...return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment. How many times have you said to yourself after making a poor decision, “I wish I could get a second chance and do things differently?” If you are like the rest of us, you may have said this many times, possibly many times today alone. For Christians, we are blessed with a reset button and we get to start over and over again each and every day. While we may have to live with the earthly consequences of our decisions, God gives us the opportunity to start anew with Him. This Lenten season is the perfect time to return to the Lord in our thoughts, words and actions knowing that the ultimate judge of our life, God, is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, filled with love, and very forgiving.
Deacon Russ Raffay History and Theology Department Faculty Member
Thursday | February 15, 2024 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 | Luke 9:22-25 If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. “…I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine there’s gotta be a little rain sometime. When you take, you gotta give.” These are the words of an old song I remember each time I hear today’s gospel where we find Jesus speaking to His disciples about the challenging journey of discipleship. The words in this gospel reading are a glimpse into the heart of Jesus' mission on Earth. He reveals to His disciples the sacrificial nature of His coming, the immense cost of redeeming humanity from sin. It's a message that challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of discipleship. Jesus does not sugarcoat the path of discipleship. He speaks of suffering, rejection, and ultimately, His own death. It is a stark reminder that following Him involves embracing our own crosses, sharing in His sufferings, and being willing to lay down our lives to live as Jesus expects us to. Denying ourselves involves surrendering our own will, desires, and ambitions to follow the will of God. Taking up our cross daily signifies a commitment to face the challenges and trials that come with living a life of faith. The world often tempts us with fleeting pleasures, material pursuits, and self-centered ambitions. It is hard to live counter-cultural. Yet, Jesus reminds us that gaining the whole world at the expense of our soul is a tragic trade-off. True fulfillment, joy, and life are found in Him and only in Him. As we journey through Lent, let us take a moment to reflect on the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to embrace the cross in our lives? Are we ready to deny ourselves and follow Christ wholeheartedly? The rewards of discipleship are not found in earthly treasures but in the eternal promises of God. So, while Jesus never promises us a rose garden, may the words of Jesus in today's Gospel inspire us to live as true disciples, carrying our crosses with courage, and finding our ultimate joy in Him who gave His life for us.
Deacon Peter Fiore Theology Department Faculty Member
Friday | February 16, 2024 Isaiah 58:1-9a | Matthew 9:14-15 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” It can be easy to hold off on happiness. We often tell ourselves, “I’ll be happy once the weekend arrives” or “I’ll be happy when I achieve this goal”. At the same time, it can be easy to be anxious for what the future will bring. But, in truth, postponing joy subtracts from the beauty of the present. In this Gospel, the Pharisees and the followers of John are curious as to why they fast, and Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding party and a bridegroom. God calls us to join Him in celebrating the present. When we build our faith relationship, we can be confident in our current lives, but also gain the discipline for when we will “fast.” Our lives will inevitably have “fasting” moments where we will experience loss, discomfort, and anxiety. In fact, this Gospel foreshadows one of the most fearful times for Jesus’ followers: His death and resurrection. Throughout this Lenten season, in church and in prayer, we reflect on that grief and hardship. When Jesus went to Heaven and left the Apostles on Earth, they felt grief-stricken and directionless. But they carried on, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue spreading the Good News. To be certain, this passage does not diminish fasting or loss as unimportant or nonexistent. Rather, instead of awaiting grief and discomfort, God calls us to live our daily lives on Earth with joy and patience.
Chengli Payton Class of 2025
Saturday | February 17, 2024 Isaiah 58:9b-14 | Luke 5:27-32 ...Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners. “‘Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?’ ‘I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.’” - Pope Francis, on his acceptance of the Papacy. We live in an unforgiving age. How many headlines (or, let’s be honest, Tweets) announce that so-and-so has been canceled? No one seems to be immune from such cancel culture. Lives and reputations are shattered, sometimes on shaky grounds, sometimes on legitimate grievances, but the tune is the same: there is no forgiveness for you here, now. Here, now, we demand justice from others for wrongs committed. This is entirely understandable and hardwired into each of us, along with the concupiscence to sin. Like Pope Francis, we are, every one of us, sinners. But, we have hope. This is not the end of our story. "I am a sinner,” Pope Francis reminded his audience, “but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus personally calls Levi, a tax collector, a sinner if ever there was one, to come and follow Him. We, too, are personally called by Jesus. His arms are always open to receive us with mercy. Let us today, and always, turn back to His loving embrace.
Mr. David Gillespie History Department Faculty Member
Sunday | February 18, 2024 First Sunday of Lent Genesis 9:8-15 | 1 Peter 3:18-22 | Mark 1:12-15 The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." It is easy to brush off our responsibilities and the things that litter our to-do list. To say “I was busy today, I'll do it tomorrow.” “I’ll pray more tomorrow, I’ll start that project tomorrow, I’ll be kinder tomorrow.” This passage calls us to now. In this current moment, this one right here, you can make a change. You can turn a new leaf, create new routines, and pledge to do better. Now is the moment to pray more, to be more caring, to change your habits for the better. God is calling you at every moment to turn to Him and His kingdom. In this reading, He calls us out to repent for our sins and turn our trust to Him and His unlimited love. The Kingdom of God is at hand! God is ready to accept us with open arms if we are willing to look for Him and work for Him. The time is now to change, to come to our Father with our problems and allow Him to help us through them, to process what we cannot understand. To become closer to our Heavenly Father, we have to turn from sin and into His open arms. We have to make conscious choices every day, starting NOW to honor Him and accept Him in our lives at each moment. Believe in His word, bask in His light, and fill the world with His glory! The time is now! The kingdom of God is at hand!
Caroline O’Callaghan Class of 2024
Monday | February 19, 2024 Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 | Matthew 25:31-46 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. In this passage from the Gospel of Matthew we hear Jesus offering instruction for how to inherit the Kingdom of God. He reminds us to help all of those in need by offering food, drink, clothing, care, and company. He also reminds us in the passage that when we serve others in need, we serve Christ himself. Matthew writes, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” At the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, we carry forward this mandate from Jesus. We collect toys and food and clothing and help those who are less fortunate. We help one another, our community, and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth as we live into their charism of Deus es Caritas, God is Charity. Sometimes, knowing what to bring or how to serve, or even whether or not our gift is worthy is something we all think about. We may question if we are giving enough, or just the right thing, or even if we can give at all. In this passage in Matthew, I believe Jesus wants us to give but more importantly, Jesus wants us to be present for others and sometimes this means showing up and trusting that God will take care of the rest. As we move forward into the Lenten Season, take time to think about your presence and how you, just as you are, might be the perfect gift of hope for someone in need. Being present for others begins with acknowledging the gift of your own presence and honoring who you are. Richard Rohr writes, “People who are fully present know how to see fully, rightfully, and truthfully. Presence is the one thing necessary, and in many ways, the hardest thing of all. Just try to keep your heart open, your mind without division or resistance, and your body not somewhere else.” Being present in the moment, allows you to be fully available to those around you. You may want to take time to be quiet and still and listen to how the spirit of God is speaking to you. You may want to spend time in the natural world soaking up moments of awe, wonder, and beauty. You may want to take time to nourish the gifts you have been given and honor all that you are. You may also want to take time to notice all that you have been granted in simple moments of gratitude. All of these things can nourish you and your sense of presence. This may be the most perfect gift of healing that you can give to yourself and others this Lenten Season. Trust that you and your presence are what the world needs now. Dr. Kimberly Borin Guidance Department School Counselor
Tuesday | February 20, 2024 Isaiah 55:10-11 | Matthew 6:7-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. “If you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Lent is a special time for us to spiritually prepare for His resurrection. It is a time of transformation and reflection. In this second week of Lent, we consider the meaning behind Isaiah 55:10-11. The verse speaks symbolically about God’s word being like rain or sun that doesn’t return empty, but to fulfill and nourish the earth. In a world where promises may be broken at times, it reminds us of the reliability of God’s promises. Promises we can always count on. Matthew 6:7-15 includes the Lord’s Prayer, teaching about the simplicity and sincerity of prayer. It also underscores the importance of forgiveness, as highlighted in verses 14-15. Most importantly, Jesus advises against empty, repetitive or boastful words in prayer, cautioning against a cursory or superficial approach when praying. The message is to pray with sincerity and genuine intentions, recognizing that God already understands our needs without the need for elaborate or lengthy expressions. It encourages a heartfelt, humble and authentic connection to God in prayer. Both passages emphasize trust in God and the significance of genuine daily communication with Him. Through prayer and trust we see the ways the spirit alters our perspective and transforms our mind and heart bringing peace to our lives. Dear God, I know you are always with me. If I can’t find the right words today. Please listen to my heart. Amen
Dr. Beth Azar Principal
Wednesday | February 21, 2024 Jonah 3:1-10 | Luke 11:29-32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here. Being a teenager can be a time of figuring things out. We have a million things going on in our day to day lives. Whether it be the anxiety of homework and tests, or fun weekend plans, sometimes it is hard to remember what is really important. This passage impresses the importance of realizing and recognizing the greater truths in our faith. It pushes us to be open to growth, similarly to the people of Nineveh when Jonah preached to them. It is a true reminder that sometimes we need to be receptive to lessons all around us. It calls us to reflect on our actions and embrace each lesson that comes our way, and truly realize that there is something more significant guiding us. By remembering that God has a plan for us, we can all be more attentive to what truly matters.
Piper Tricarico Class of 2025
Thursday | February 22, 2024 Matthew 16:13-19 | 1 Peter 5:1-4 Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. “Tend the flock”--is God calling us all to be shepherds? Maybe not in so many words, but He is calling us to look out for others. Leadership is a theme that we hear throughout our daily lives. Some people may be intimidated with the expectations of being a leader, but one of the distinguishing characteristics of leadership that everyone can aspire to is to be a ‘leader by example’. When you are put in a questionable position, look within for the right decision and do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right. You may find that others will look to you and emulate your behavior. This is what God calls us to be for others. Be humble and kind in your leadership and do not make others feel less for being different. I love this quote from Kenneth H. Blanchard and I believe it encapsulates this verse, “The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority”. It is not our job to tell others what to do, but to exert a positive influence, as opposed to negativity. Live a life of grace and reflect on our conscience when making choices. If we do this, the choice will always be the right one and others will see that. If we spend our lives living by these traits, not only will the rewards be felt here on earth, but we will also receive our reward in Heaven, where we can spend eternal life reveling in God’s grace.
Beth-Ellen Walsh Guidance Department Director of School and College Counseling
Friday | February 23, 2024 Eziekiel 18:21-28 | Matthew 5:20-26 If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. In today's Lenten reflection based on the Gospel passage from February 23rd, Jesus challenges us to a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. It goes beyond the mere observance of commandments; it delves into the very attitude of our hearts. Jesus teaches us that anger and contemptuous words hold consequences. The call to reconciliation is profound, urging us to prioritize harmony with our brothers and sisters over ritualistic offerings. Jesus compels us to pause and reconcile with those we may have wronged or who harbor grievances against us. This Lenten season is an invitation to mend relationships and seek forgiveness, recognizing that true righteousness is rooted in love and unity. Jesus' words resonate as a reminder that our journey to the Kingdom of Heaven involves not only individual piety but also communal harmony and reconciliation. May this Lent be a time of genuine repentance, forgiveness, and the pursuit of righteousness that mirrors the love and mercy of Jesus.
Beth Zarro Administrative Assistant to Operations
Saturday | February 24, 2024 Deuteronomy | Matthew 5:43-48 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? One of the most beautiful themes that emerge in the teachings of Jesus is for us to love one another. This is not a romantic love, it is a love and concern for those that are not in your inner circle. As we see in this passage, Jesus tells us that it’s easy to love our families and friends. But He is asking us to do something more involved and at times, really difficult. How do we love those that are different from us? Those who might make us uncomfortable, or have ideas that we don’t agree with? As Jesus travels from town to town with His disciples, we see His encounters with the sick, the vulnerable, and the marginalized, some who are outcasts in their communities. All of these people are treated with respect and dignity, they are not shunned or shamed by our Lord. Throughout the Gospels we are reminded over and over again - to love one another. In fact, Jesus commands us to do so. In the Gospel of John 15:12, Jesus says “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” And in the Gospels of Luke 10, Mark 12, and Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul, but the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” So let’s try and pray on this: pray for understanding, pray for hope, and pray for peace and resolution. And love one another.
Janet Antico Theology Department Faculty Member
Sunday | February 25, 2024 Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 | Romans 8:31b-34 | Mark 9:2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, He charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain offers a profound glimpse into the divine nature of Christ and the continuity of God's plan through the presence of Moses and Elijah. In this sacred moment, Jesus reveals His glory, and His dazzling white clothes signify His purity and divinity. Peter's response, expressing the desire to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, reflects the human inclination to grasp onto extraordinary experiences and establish a permanence that mirrors earthly structures. Yet, in the midst of their awe, a cloud envelops them, symbolizing the divine presence, and a voice affirms Jesus as the beloved Son, instructing them to listen to Him. The subsequent disappearance of Moses and Elijah leaves only Jesus, emphasizing that Christ is the ultimate focus.
As we journey through Lent, let us reflect on this transformative encounter. Like the disciples, we may find ourselves grappling with the mysterious and the unknown. However, just as Jesus instructed His disciples to keep silent until the appropriate time, we too can embrace a contemplative silence in our spiritual journey, trusting that God's plan will unfold in due course. As we anticipate the resurrection, may we listen attentively to the voice of the beloved Son, finding solace and guidance in His teachings.
Helen Kotoulas Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Monday | February 26, 2024 Daniel 9:4b-10 | Luke 6:36-38 Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured.” “You get what you give” is a common saying that can be applied in many aspects of life. I am sure that we have all talked behind a friend's back, judged someone before getting to know them, or chosen to be selfish at some point in life. As Jesus reminds us in this passage, you must treat others how you would like to be treated. We are no better than anyone else and have no right to judge or refuse to forgive someone. Christ wants us to follow in His footsteps through forgiveness, generosity, and by not judging anyone because everyone is made perfectly in God’s eyes. Regardless of what is going on in your personal life, it is important to control how you treat others. Showing kindness and love to others will be reciprocated, and not doing so will also be reciprocated. Not only should we be treating others with the respect, love, and kindness that they deserve, but also going above and beyond through generous acts of service so that everyone feels as if they are made in the image and likeness of God. By doing so you are not only making yourself and others feel good, but also living out the message of Christ and evangelizing our faith.
Olive Sedlack & Annie Rojack Class of 2026
Tuesday | February 27, 2024 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 | Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. As in other parts of the book of Matthew, this passage references the political climate of the community and religious leaders in Jerusalem. Though there is expressed criticism of the Pharisees the message this carries is one to reflect on. Don’t be a “Do as I say, not as I do”. Power from education, fortune and class should not be misused. We should strive to follow God's laws not because we will gain personal praise but because it is right and holy. Let us not become a person who preaches of duty and service but does not evidence it in our own life. We as Christ followers are challenged to be humble. We follow the laws and life of Christ and need to keep balance in our character. We should not desire elevated accolades and then ignore the responsibility it carries, we follow laws because it is our responsibility as Christ followers and they relate to us all equally. We are all in this together. Any elevated status does not give us the right to misuse that power by oppressing the less educated, less fortunate or under served. We need to show kindness in all we do to everyone we encounter. There is joy in living this way. Christ's life was a picture of humility. It is hard to keep humble when you have worked hard and achieved recognition for accomplishments but it is also important to recognize that these blessings are from God and carry a responsibility to serve. Humbleness is hard but it is a code to strive for because there is value in a true humbled heart. Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit and transform me into Christ-like holiness. Teach me to be humble and to love generously with kindness and selfless service. Amen Gail de Freitas Guidance Department Administrative Assistant for Student Services
Wednesday | February 28, 2024 Jeremiah 18:18-20 | Matthew 20: 17-28 Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Are we to be judged by the amount of people who serve us, or the amount of people whom we serve? In our world today, oftentimes powerful people do not acknowledge those who serve under them. Instead, power means ignorance of those below you. Jesus teaches an important lesson in this gospel about what greatness means to Him. To be great means to serve those around you and always take care of others who need help. This reading is so important to apply to our lives, especially in this season of Lent, because it opens our eyes to those who are struggling around us. As followers of Jesus, we should do as He did and serve those around us who are less fortunate than ourselves. If we serve others first, we will be considered great in God’s eyes.
Colleen Santoriello Class of 2025
Thursday | February 29, 2024 Jeremiah 17:5-10 | Luke 16:19-31 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream… Most days it is easy to follow the crowd and go along with what other people are doing. Even if you know that is not what you want to do or even the path that God calls you to be upon. We get caught up in what other people will think about us and how others will react to things when at the end of the day the only person who truly knows us is God. If we live our lives knowing that God has our back and has a plan for all of us, life would probably be a lot easier. A life without God is like a life without water. As much as a body would be dehydrated without water, a soul would be dehydrated without God. As I go into this next journey of my life and leave Saint E’s behind, knowing that God has my back and put me on a certain path for a reason will provide comfort in knowing that I am exactly where I need to be.
Grace Donald Class of 2024
Friday | March 1, 2024 Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a | Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 Jesus said to [the chief priests] "Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…” Those who feel like the stone which is rejected, must keep in mind that rejection is redirection. In the Scripture “the stone that the builders rejected had become the cornerstone,” tells a story about finding a place amongst dismissal. The cornerstone, arguably the most important structural piece of a building, is used to illustrate that outsiders may doubt your potential, but what you believe you can contribute is what's put forth. Anyone trying out for a team, or for seniors applying to college, rejection may be disappointing. However, for athletes, rejection just means you can’t give up, you must work harder to prove yourself. Because you will excel as a result of your rejection, allowing you to learn and grow. In the case of college, rejection is redirection. Although it feels like the end of a road. There is always a new one to uncover, it just means there is a much more fitting place for you. You will be placed where you belong, much like the cornerstone.
Grace Gehm Class of 2024
Saturday | March 2, 2024 Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 “'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” We are born children of God, and remain children of God for all eternity. What we choose to do here on Earth may affect our chances of achieving eternal life with God, but it does not change the fact that we are His children. Considering that religion and faith are both complex concepts that are full of questions, people tend to lose their way and stray from God. It is not until one restores their faith in God, that they are reborn. One may spend their time gambling, spending money on material things, and setting goals that aim for wealth and fame, like the son in the passage. But it is not until they throw their unnecessary Earthly possessions away, that they will find their way back to God. When that happens, when they are reborn, that is something to be celebrated.
Rebekah Marsh Class of 2024
Sunday | March 3, 2024 Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17 | 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 | John 2:13-25 He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. For as long as I could remember, my faith has been an important part of my life. My grandparents would always turn to their faith for help and guidance and it set a good example for my mother, my brother, and me. My grandfather has taught me a lot about my faith and how to respect it and has never taken advantage of it. I have also learned a lot about my faith since 7th grade when I started going to Catholic school. In this passage, Jesus went into the temple, God’s house, and saw many people selling goods. Jesus did not care what the people were selling, but rather the fact that people were selling in His father’s house. The vendors were taking advantage of such a sacred place for their own gain. Today, people like to pick and choose what they want to follow when it comes to religion, but focusing on what the real intention of the church is so important.
Mackenzie Siegel Class of 2025
Monday | March 4, 2024 2 Kings 5:1-15ab | Luke 4:24-30 When he read the letter, the king of Israel tore his garments and exclaimed: "Am I a god with power over life and death, that this man should send someone to me to be cured of leprosy? Take note! You can see he is only looking for a quarrel with me!" When Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his garments, he sent word to the king: "Why have you torn your garments? Let him come to me and find out that there is a prophet in Israel." What does God see in us? He sees our good, He sees beyond our sicknesses, and He sees us for who we really are. We have been taught in school who God is, and we know that God is love. Love like no other love we can ever know. He loves us for who we are and not for who everyone else thinks we should be. He sees past our faults, our labels, and our insecurities. God sees and knows our weaknesses and sicknesses and He has the ability to cure us as He wants. Not as we want, but as He Wants. As today’s reading tells us, God has power over us, so we need to trust Him and His Love for us. As students at the Academy it is important that we embody God, and more importantly we embody His love towards one another.
Chiara Furst Class of 2026
Tuesday | March 5, 2024 Daniel 3:25,34-43 | Matthew 18:21-35 “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Humans have always been prone to judging others and criticizing each other for their shortcomings. We rarely hesitate to point out where someone has gone wrong, especially when that wrongdoing affects or hurts us. However, what we need to do is realize we are all children of God. We are all made in His image and love and are therefore all equal. While we are very inclined to judge and hold grudges against other people when we are wronged, we have no right to as we are all flawed. The only one who can truly judge is God, and He always forgives us when we stray from His path. If God can forgive us when we sin, why should we not do the same for others? We should always be willing to forgive, especially when the other person is truly sorry. In this life, rather than filling our hearts with anger and grudges, we should focus on bettering ourselves, our relationship with God, and living a life full of love.
Alexia Youseff Class of 2024
Wednesday | March 6, 2024 Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 | Matthew 5:17-19 However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children. As I have grown up, I have been taught many important lessons by my parents and grandparents. When I was younger I was taught to always look out for the less fortunate, and never judge a book by its cover. Many times throughout my life I have caught myself judging, but then I think about what my parents have taught me. You never really know what someone is going through and just by respecting someone and looking out for those in need, it really does make a difference. When Deuteronomy tells me to remember the lessons that I have been taught, I will do so. As I know as I grow up I will go on to teach my children these lessons that have been passed on to me.
Katie Callahan Class of 2025
Thursday | March 7, 2024 Jeremiah 7: 23-28 | Luke 11: 14-23 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? ... But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. Oftentimes good deeds go misinterpreted when one is not open to the truth, as those people who questioned the resolve behind Jesus’ banishment of the demons. It is our weakness to focus on failure, disappointment, and tragedy rather than look for hope that we will be saved. I find myself constantly warding off the temptations of the modern world – comparison on social media, guilt over a less than stellar grade – that sometimes I forget to give myself grace for everything that I already am. I ask Jesus to help us look for the bigger picture, to rid us of Earthly distractions, and to give us patience for what God has in store for us, however slowly His plans for us may be revealed. We also must remember that if God offers us anything, it is His forgiveness. In this spirit, I also ask Him to forgive us for when our faith falls short, when at times we have been bystanders: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” May we all be with Him as we continue our efforts to model ourselves in His image during Lent.
UmaSofia Srivastava Class of 2025
Friday | March 8, 2024 Hosea 14:2-10 | Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
During this season, we contemplate the significance of God’s love in our lives. As we review this passage from the Gospel of Mark, it forces us to consider the challenges of doubt and misjudgments about God's love for us. During Lent, we should work to quiet this skepticism that clouds our understanding of God. Just as Jesus overcame doubt with love, our Lenten journey is a time of surrendering our skepticism to the power of faith, allowing God’s goodness to unfold in our lives, and living in the love of God. If we hand over all of our doubts to God, he will provide us the reassurance that we need to move on, and grow in our faith with Him. God will never turn his back on us, and we owe it to Him to do the same even if skepticism gets in the way sometimes.
Samantha Petrecca Class of 2025
Saturday | March 9, 2024 Hosea 6:1-6 | Luke 18:9-14 Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, “O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.” But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. During this time of Lenten reflection, we must remember that Jesus desires us to walk humbly with God. In this Gospel, we see the Pharisee and the tax collector going to the temple area to pray. The Pharisee boasts to God – proud of his “clean living,” a life without greed, dishonesty, and adultery. Meanwhile, feeling guilty about his actions, the tax collector could not bear to lift his eyes to heaven. He beat his chest, ashamed of his actions, and begged for God’s mercy. The tax collector recognizes his sins and confesses that he is a sinner. God looked favorably upon the tax collector because he was humble in his prayer. This Gospel encourages us to remember the importance of praying with the right attitude. God wants us to pray often and regularly, speak from the heart, pray privately, and have meaningful moments with Him.
Madelyn Welther Class of 2025
Sunday | March 10, 2024 Fourth Sunday of Lent 2 Chronicles 36:14-16 | Ephesians 2:4-10 | John 3:14-21 For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. As students, teachers, workers, and humans, we have all come to a point in our lives where we felt unimportant or meaningless. This verse from the Gospel of John shows God’s true love and devotion to every person. God loved the world so much that He sent His one and only Son in an attempt to save us. Although we still let Him down day by day, Jesus gives us hope for salvation and forgiveness. This is a very important concept to remember as a student, because oftentimes we can get weighed down by academic pressure, sports, and social life, resulting in bad moods, stress, or drifting away from God. But we have to remember that God will do anything to help us and to save us. That is why these verses are so important; they show that amid challenges of academic and personal life, we are valued and cherished so deeply, and we should never forget that.
Samantha Donnelly Class of 2026
Monday | March 11, 2024 Isaiah 65:17-21 | John 4:43-54 Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked Him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him,“The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.”The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live…” These passages are such a comfort to parents who experience the overwhelming fear at the thought that the child you love so dearly may die. These passages speak to my heart because in 1983 my darling baby, John, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and given a 50% chance of living to age 20. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease where the body makes thick mucus which clogs the lungs and digestive system making the child cough and have difficulty gaining weight. Taking care of a child with CF can be consuming. When John was about 3 months old, I was completely overwhelmed and I got down on my knees and said “Jesus, I can’t do this without you!” Much to my surprise Jesus spoke to my heart and told me He loves this baby even more than I did. He told me to pray for healing and then He showed me lungs that were exhaling everything that clogged them and the lungs breathed in clean air. I had the feeling that it would not be immediate but that John would be in Jesus’ hands. I took him to healing services several times and always prayed for healing. As John grew, he had a mild case and I grew to trust in God's hand in his life. When John was 37 years old, a medication called Trikafta was developed. John started taking it and his lungs cleared and he gained 35 pounds! To this day he is healthy, has been given a normal life expectancy by his doctors and I thank God for his life. I am so blessed that Jesus has cared for him and made this medication possible not just for John but for all the infants with cystic fibrosis.
Suzanne Bartsch Casana ‘69 Alumna
Tuesday | March 12, 2024 Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 | John 5:1-16 Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." He answered them, "The man who made me well told me, 'Take up your mat and walk." Doing the right thing can often seem easy in theory, but sometimes much harder in practice– especially when doing what is right goes against established order. In this Gospel, Jesus has asked a man if he would like to be healed from his ailment (he is unable to walk). When the man responds, explaining that he cannot get to the pool of water to bathe, Jesus simply tells him to pick up his mat and walk. Instantly, the afflicted man is able to walk. However, once others around him see that the man is carrying a mat, they question and judge him on the basis of it being the Sabbath, a time when it is unlawful to carry a mat. However, the man does not stop, as it is what Jesus told him to do. This story reflects the struggle all of us face regularly regarding what is right and wrong. Oftentimes, doing what is truly right–what Jesus wants us to do–can be the hardest option we have. The truth in life, as is evident in this story, is that doing what Jesus truly wants us to do can be extremely difficult, as we can face the wrongful judgment of others when we do so. However, as long as we follow Jesus’s example in the Bible, and ultimately do everything in kindness, God will give us the strength necessary to do what Jesus wants us to, even if others judge us for it.
Emma Brading Class of 2025
Wednesday| March 13, 2024 Isaiah 49:8-15 | John 5:17-30 I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me. This profound quote allows you to reflect on your actions and decision-making process, emphasizing a profound sense of humility and submission to God. The statement, “I cannot do anything on my own,” shows the understanding of limitations and dependency on God's guidance. It implies a realization that an individual action can be limited by a larger force which is God. The phrase “I judge as I hear” suggests that God dedicates His time and consideration to information He hears before making judgments. This shows that God has multiple perspectives when looking at a situation. This demonstrates that God is just and truly what He allows to come into our lives is because we need it to become the best versions of ourselves. Over all God gave us a set of rules that allowed us the freedom to follow them or not. What is getting judged is the way we follow the set of rules God placed on us which is what leads us to make mistakes and learn from them.
Amanda Jimenez Class of 2025
Thursday | March 14, 2024 Exodus 32:7-14 | John 5:31-47 “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage." So the LORD relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people. Here we learn that God is forgiving and kind. When reading this passage, I remembered what I had learned years ago, that God is forgiving. As I reflect, I think that I need to be as forgiving in my life as God is with me. This is hard and difficult, but He is always there for us. There was a time when someone had hurt me, and I held on to that hurt for a long time. I cannot imagine that God holds on to the hurt and anger that we all inflict on Him. I think it is so important and healing to always be conscious of God and His kindness and how He forgives. The well-known phrase of WWJD, or What Would Jesus Do, holds so much meaning. By consciously acting in the way of God and His teachings, you can heal on the inside and find the courage to forgive and love others. You can hold onto hate, but then hate has a hold on you.
Juliette Roake Class of 2026
Friday | March 15, 2024 Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 | John 7:1-2, 25-30 For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Throughout my life, faith has always been a very important part of me. My trust in God has helped me through very tough times and has taught me valuable lessons. I have learned the importance of perspective and the belief that God has a plan for us. Realizing all that God does for us helped strengthen my relationship with God and brought me closer to Him. Oftentimes we feel incomplete and search for something to fulfill us. It is when we look to God that we realize He is there to heal us. We need to realize the ultimate happiness comes from God and everything else will fall in line once we prioritize our relationship. Despite our neglect of Him, He is there waiting for us to be the fulfillment of our happiness. We get distracted from what is really important and it's only when we are broken that we realize God’s power. When we find peace in God is when we find that inner happiness through our reconciliation.
Maren Foley Class of 2025
Saturday | March 16, 2024 Jeremiah 11:18-20 | John 7:40-53 So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why did you not bring him?" The guards answered, "Never before has anyone spoken like this man." So the Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed." Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, "Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?" They answered and said to him, "You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee." These lines are talking about how people wanted them to turn Jesus in. Have you ever been tempted or tempted someone else knowing that it was not the right thing to do? These people did not know who He was but they knew that they shouldn't be accused like this. They did not give into the temptation even though everyone else around them did. We can apply this a lot to ourselves and our lives. And how Jesus tells us not to give into temptation, even though you may think it will make you seem some way if you do or do not. Because temptation itself is not a sin, but giving into temptation is.
Zoe MacWhannell Class of 2025
Sunday | March 17, 2024 Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 31:31-34 | Hebrews 5:7-9 | John 12:20-33 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. Our God is a faithful God who wants to spend eternity with us. This reading speaks about Jesus’s sacrifice for us on the cross and His triumph over the enemy, Satan. Jesus spoke to His disciples and hinted at the death that awaited Him. Jesus’s crucifixion was a victory over the Devil and evil, which rule over the world. As seen when Jesus fasted in the desert, Satan tried to tempt Him with rule over the world’s kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9). However, Jesus’s sacrifice for us freed us from the rule of the Devil, and we are now servants of the Kingdom of God. The Lord sent His only Son to save us from evil. He is faithful and will always wait for us with open arms, no matter how far we have strayed. However, we must make the choice to return to Him. I heard a saying, “Jesus is a gentleman. He will knock at the door to your heart, but you must open it and let Him in.” Although Satan’s rule over God’s people was defeated through Jesus’s sacrifice, evil still runs rampant in our world today. It is our own human nature to fall into sin and evil, but we must make the choice to return to God, our faithful and forgiving Father. As Christians, we believe that Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. We must make a choice. Do we live for the world or do we live for Jesus Christ?
Maggie Jones Class of 2025
Monday | March 18, 2024 Deuteronomy 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 | John 8:1-11 “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So He was left alone with the woman before Him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” How many times have you made a mistake in life? Have you ever felt judged or criticized? As followers of Christ, we seek a sinless life; however, we also recognize the mercy of the Lord. We are all sinners. This passage reminds us of the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. When the scribes and Pharisees brought before Jesus a woman caught in adultery, they were hoping to trap Him. Instead, Jesus turned the tables on them by challenging them to look within themselves before judging another person. This teaching enlightens us to show compassion and mercy and to let go of the judgments that we may hold. It also reminds us that forgiveness is possible, no matter how great our sins may seem. Society today is quick to place blame on individuals who make mistakes. In this season of Lent, we should strive to live sinless lives, providing companionship and humanity to those around us, but also knowing that the Lord's mercy is always available to us in our imperfect moments.
Ava Orr Class of 2025
Tuesday | March 19, 2024 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 | Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 | Matt. 1:16, 18-21, 24a | Luke 2:41-51a Now 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. 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.
Being a parent is never easy and I can only imagine how difficult it might have been for Saint Joseph as he was chosen to help raise Jesus under very different conditions than we know two thousand years later! Despite the vast differences in our worlds – ours today and Saint Joseph’s then – there is a common thread of love, devotion, listening, guiding, nurturing, helping, and caring that fathers have provided to their children over the years and will never change despite the changes in society. I have looked to Saint Joseph to guide me in my own vocation as I’m sure so many other dads have done and will continue to do so for centuries to come! Saint Joseph did not have it easy and almost “threw in the towel” before Jesus was born. Thank God he didn’t! Today’s readings remind us of his calling to be Jesus’ foster father here on earth and of his faith and love of God. Being a teacher is very much like being a parent. You have responsibilities to young people to help them and guide them on their own journeys. As perfect as a child as He was, Jesus still had adolescent traits and characteristics here on earth growing up and surely, but minimally, tested Saint Joseph’s patience. But that’s what children – and yes, students – do! Fathers (and teachers) have been chosen for a vocation that involves plenty of human interaction, need, and sacrifice. It comes with disappointment, worry, and grief – but greatly balanced with pride, joy, and unconditional love. Saint Joseph has always been a role model for me. He can be for you as well! Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Dr. Thomas Altonjy Mathematics Department Faculty Member
Wednesday | March 20, 2024 Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 | John 8:31- 42 If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. “Go with your gut” is a phrase that assuredly everyone has heard once before. In the face of uncertainty, whether it be a conflict with a friend or family member, or what letter to circle on that exam, we often forget a force more trustworthy than gut instinct: God. In John 8:31-42, the disciples are struck with doubt when Jesus tells them to remain in His word. “Our father is Abraham,” they exclaim, but Jesus refuses to back down. Instead, Jesus informs the disciples that His word is from God, and rejecting it would not be the work of Abraham. As stated in the passage, the truth is able to set you free, and the word of God is the truth. However, the Jews are still tentative as to how Jesus will be able to relieve them. He answers them, “‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.’" Similar to how the Jews communicated their uncertainties to Jesus, we are called to do the same. In fact, it is these doubts that strengthen our faith and trust in Him. This passage serves as a reminder to us that sometimes doubt is necessary to help us grow, and it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. He can set us free to live in peace, all He asks is that we put our faith into Him.
Audrey McCarus Class of 2025
Thursday | March 21, 2024 Genesis 17:3-9 | John 8:51-59 Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be? Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.” Being a follower of Christ may seem simple on paper, but the reality is that it entails a lot of time and energy spent cultivating and sharing faith, and this journey is far from perfect. We are all called to be God's disciples, to listen, to learn, and to teach the Gospel to others. However, when doubts settle into our thoughts, this task can feel daunting. Faith means to trust blindly, without visible evidence, or proof. I hesitate to share my faith with others because I feel like I’m not the “perfect Christian” myself, so how could I possibly be a good enough role model to teach others? I feel like my mistakes, my shortcomings, and my doubts keep me from feeling “good enough” to teach others about Jesus. As followers of Christ, and as humans, it is only natural to question our faith. Why would God let this happen? Did God really say this? Does He even care about me? Why can’t I hear God’s voice? Even Jesus questioned God in His final hours; Matthew 27:46 tells us that He cried out to God “My God why have you forsaken me?” If the ultimate role model, Jesus himself, had doubts, then why should we feel ashamed of ours? Rather than shaming ourselves for having doubts, we should use them as tools for understanding and spiritual growth. If our walks with Christ were linear, there would be no peaks to compare the valleys with. Without darkness, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate light. Without these times of doubt, there would be no opportunity to gain understanding. This Lenten season, we should challenge ourselves to use our doubts to get deeper into our faith.
Stevie Robinson Class of 2024
Friday | March 22, 2024 Jeremiah 20:10-13 | John 10:31-42 If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. During this Lenten season, there are many preparations that need to be made within the church, and within our lives. However, it is most important in this time to remember the true meaning of lent: believing in Jesus, and believing that He was resurrected as our Christ and Savior. Many of us believe in Jesus, and believe in His works but how many of us know Him? How many of us know the Great Carpenter? To know Jesus is to see, and actively be a part of His great works. Actions speak louder than words and that is what Jesus tells the Jews. He pleads with them, “The Father is in me and I am in the Father.” We are made as one, I am only who I am because of my Father God. If you do not believe my words, then believe my actions, my acts of kindness and love, my acts of healing because I am only able to do these things through God. To believe in God means to carry out His good deeds. It is through our work that we prove our faith and determination as Catholics and Christians. Anyone can say they are a follower of Christ, but it is those who try to do their best every day, and act in ways of kindness that truly makes someone a good believer of Christ.
Ava Petrecca Class of 2025
Saturday | March 23, 2024 Ezekiel 37:21-28 | John 11:45-56 No longer shall they defile themselves with their idols, their abominations, and all their transgressions. At what altar do you pray? To material wealth, covetous greed; To ephemeral beauty; To truth and justice, forgetting your ignorance; To omniscience you cannot possess; To pleasure’s lusty appetite; To attention; To progress; To recreation; To time. Our society is “defiled” by myriad idols, and when engaged in the extreme, they lead to dissatisfaction and ruin. Our reverence is often misplaced because anything can be precious, thereby sacred. So, at what altar do you pray? For example, I submit to compassion because compassion changed my life. Before, my god was success– I obsessed over perfection. I earned remarkable grades, maintained a remarkable weight, and participated in remarkable extracurricular activities to the detriment of my health, relationships, and happiness. Perfection sapped me into the hopeless husk we call precocity. Then, a great teacher saved me by asking the same question I pose to you: At what altar do you pray? For her, it was compassion, the most glorious gift she could have offered, the best lesson she could have taught. Compassion became my answer and my panacea; I practiced compassion like I once would flashcards and thus began an eternal evolution. It was her compassion that inspired life within me, and it is with compassion I choose to live.
Bridget Lomax Class of 2024
Sunday | March 24, 2024 Palm Sunday Philippians 2:8-9 | Mark 14:1-15:47 | Isaiah 50:4-7 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. God is there to help us when no one else is there for us. On the days where we feel like we are struggling more, whether it involves school, friends, family or anything else, God reminds us that He is always by our side. We can turn to Him at any time to pray and reflect. God wants us all to be protected no matter the circumstances, we are not to see shame when we need to ask for help. In this verse, we are reminded to be the bigger person and not let the actions of others affect us. Along with God being there to help us, He is there to help us help others. He gives us the gift of speaking and hearing in order for us to be there for others whether they are close to us, or even a stranger. God's mission is to help us and save us as he sent Jesus to us to show His true care and humanity. He helps us every second of every day. As we reflect as Lent comes to an end, we are reminded of doing good for others, as well as taking care of ourselves.
Emme Lezynski Class of 2024
Monday | March 25, 2024 Isaiah 42:1-7 | John 12:1-11 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Do you find yourself giving so little to someone who gives so much? In this passage Jesus, who was a good friend of Mary's, had cured Mary’s husband of his sickness so she wanted to show her appreciation for Jesus. Although Mary was a poor woman, she used all of her expensive oil, that was worth $50,000, to be given up for God. God doesn’t ask us to give up 50,000, but he asks that we put him before the other part of our lives. He then can repay us with even more than we gave. God does not need our sacrifices, but they show our commitment to grow closer to him. Like Mary, we should all strive to have a relationship with God because he is a friend who will always be with us to help us carry our cross. Even if it is as simple as saying a quick prayer each day, do something today to give a little more during the season of lent.
Gracelyn Spina Class of 2025
Tuesday | March 26, 2024 Isaiah 49:1-6 | John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reclining at table with His disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. The obvious question to ask after reading this passage is why would someone ever betray Jesus, the son of God? It is easy to harshly judge Judas for his actions, wondering why he would ever do this. But, do we not all betray Jesus everyday? We all sin everyday, whether it is the lies we tell, the mean gossip we spread, the homework answers we look up, or the fight we get into with our parents. In this lenten season, we should strive to become closer to Jesus, rather than continue to betray him. We can pray more often, give back to others, and show a little more kindness to others. Jesus’ main message was to love God and all his creations. We can show this love to others by donating money, reaching out to someone sitting alone at lunch, or making amends with a girl you have problems with. Using this time to reflect on our own betrayals of Jesus will allow us to become closer to God.
Ella Delatush Class of 2025
Wednesday | March 27, 2024 Isaiah 50:4-9a | Matthew 26:14-25 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Have you ever had a moment that you have no idea how to handle? A friend talking about personal problems, two people you love in a fight with each other, or even just an embarrassing situation. Often, we find ourselves in situations that make us feel overwhelmed. Its here where God comes in, willing to help us out, whether it be through an encouraging word or just a simple revelation. Whenever you feel lost in what to do, anxious, or afraid of the future, turn to God and He’ll help you out, I promise.
Keiri Shuyama Class of 2024
Thursday | March 28, 2024 Holy Thursday Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | John 13:1-15 So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into His power and that He had come from God and was returning to God, He rose from supper and took off His outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. As we reflect on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life, we know that He is aware of the suffering that is going to be caused by the very people He was sent to save. He will be suffering great physical pain as well as one of the most publicly humiliating deaths in our history. Despite this awareness, He embodies Grace. He is a servant leader and continues to serve His disciples. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. They are committed to the needs of others before their own. They are motivated by selflessness, not by self. Thinking of others first allows leaders to make the right decision for a group, not the decision that is best for the leader. So as we reflect on the sorrowful mysteries of Holy Week, we must also be inspired by the profound leadership that Jesus showed us. We too can embody the Grace of a servant-leader in our everyday lives.
Megan Knight Director of Development & Alumnae Relations
Friday | March 29, 2024 Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53 | Hebrews 4:14-16 | John 18:1-19, 42 After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to His mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He handed over the spirit. “I thirst.” As Jesus hangs on the cross, the same Savior who “grew up like a sapling…like a shoot from the parched Earth” (Isaiah 53:2), He speaks His last words echoing the reality that our world had become dry, barren, and fruitless. In His final minutes, Jesus thirsts not simply for water, but rather for souls. His death is the transformative action that wills a parched land into an oasis of life; His blood is the reignition of a world fallen dormant in its faith. Jesus’ thirst is beyond that of physical, but rather a thirsting and longing for each one of us that brings Him to the point of sacrificing Himself to display the depths He is willing to go to quench such a thirst. As we reflect on this Good Friday, let us as ourselves, for what is it that I thirst today? How do I quench such a thirst? Like Jesus, as He thirsted for our love, so too, we should be thirsting for God’s unending love. And just as we seek relief from physical thirst, let us seek to relieve the spiritual thirsting that we may experience by rediscovering that we all are made in God’s image and, as such, we are all adopted sisters and brothers in the Lord, the same Lord who died for us. When we come to truly see such in our neighbor, it is then that our thirst becomes transformative, as we seek to quench our world of division and disunity through the life-giving water which Jesus awards all His followers: “Rivers of living water” (John 7:38), flowing from within each of us into our parched world.
Joseph Ziaya Director of Communications
Saturday | March 30, 2024 Holy Saturday Genesis 1:1-2:2 | Genesis 22:1-18 | Exodus 14:15-15:1 | Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11 | Romans 6:3-11 | Luke 24:1-121 | Mark 16: 1-7 On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; He is not here.” It is dawn on the third day. Jesus fulfills the Father's promise of redemption. He conquers death. "Do not look for Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised. He is not here (in the tomb). By His cross and resurrection, we are saved. Death no longer holds us!
Deacon Kevin Combs Theology Department Faculty Member
Sunday | March 31, 2024 The Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43 | Colossians 3:1-4 | 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 | John 20:1-9 Brothers and sisters: Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, in as much as you are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. On this Easter Sunday, let us pause and take a moment to truly appreciate all that we celebrate today. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118:24). Let us rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord. Let us rejoice as we have been saved from sin. Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians provides an opportunity to reflect on how much Jesus truly sacrificed when he gave his life for us. An analogy is made explaining the necessity of yeast in order to leaven bread. Through a complex series of chemical reactions during baking, yeast is the catalyst to cause the bread to rise. Jesus, a catalyst for peace and truth, also rose up against those who crucified him through forgiveness. How often do we take for granted or lose sight of the power of forgiveness? We are all human, have made mistakes, have sinned, and have wronged others at some point in our lives. The sacrifices of Jesus have given us the ability to “rise” up against our wrongdoings and be forgiven for our mistakes. “A small amount of yeast is enough to leaven an entire batch of dough,” just as a small amount of kindness and forgiveness is enough to make an important difference in our daily life, our school community, and our world. Today marks the end of our Lenten journey, but don’t let that be the end of our sacrifices to better ourselves and those around us. Continue to find that small amount of yeast inside of you and use it to rise up against the daily stresses, challenges, and struggles of life and be a better person for those around you.
Lauren Corvo Assistant Principal