As the Church moves through the final week of the Easter season toward the celebration of Pentecost, members of the Newman University community and friends share what the scriptures are stirring in them.
Their reflections — personal, honest and grounded in everyday life — trace a common thread: that faith is not passive, the Holy Spirit is not distant and the call to go forth into the world belongs to all of us.
May 17, Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20
Sister Therese Wetta ASC, Director of Mission Integration
Last week, Nancy, a friend and founding member of the group of ASC Associates with whom I meet monthly, died of cancer. Nancy will be sorely missed. Like the Apostles in today’s reading from Acts who watched Jesus disappear from their sight, I have many feelings because of this loss. But I also have the assurance of Jesus, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Not only that, Jesus also promises that we “will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us,” a power that will enlighten the eyes of our hearts “that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.” This hope means we cannot lock ourselves in a room in fear as the apostles did. Rather, we must open ourselves to the Holy Spirit so that we are witnesses of Jesus in our families, work sites, parishes, communities — everywhere.
Nancy did not stand still looking at the sky. She trusted in Jesus and went forth living the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe she now enjoys “the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.” What’s my posture as we close the Easter season and live into ordinary time?
May 18, Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33
Delphine D. Sosu ’26 MSW
The readings from the Acts of the Apostles invite us to reflect more deeply on our faith beyond baptism, which calls us to repentance from sin and a renewed life in Christ. Paul encourages the disciples to remain steadfast in their belief and open their hearts fully to the Holy Spirit. Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that trials and sorrows are part of life, yet we should not lose hope because true peace is found in him. Even in moments of difficulty and uncertainty, Christ reassures us with these words: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” As Christians, we are reminded to hold firmly to our faith, trusting that through Christ we can find strength, peace and courage to endure every challenge.
May 19, Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:17-27; John 17:1-11a
Sister Mary Kevin Rooney ASC ‘61
In both our readings today we have two farewell speeches: Paul’s and Jesus’. As I pray the readings today I challenge myself with this thought: If I knew that my last day was coming by the end of this week, what kind of farewell would I write? To whom would I write it? Would I change anything in my life in order to be ready for whatever that last day/night would bring? To make this real, why not try to write that letter this week?
May 20, Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19
Rev. Chad Arnold, Director of Seminarians, Wichita Diocese
In the Gospel today, Jesus prays to the Father for the Apostles, that they might be one. He prays for unity. That is meant to be one of the marks of the Church; that we are one. Yet we live in a world that actively sews discord, where agendas (good and bad) are pushed forward by consciously creating disunity. In our Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are called to live differently (and no small point–that difference will take the help of the Father). Do not misunderstand, there is a time to stand against things. It is beyond the scope of this reflection to examine that in depth. However, our Gospel does invite us to examine closely the value of unity, namely our unity with God. To look keenly at what things might be disrupting that unity. And if we find ourselves separated from God, or fundamental human relationships, is there a way back through forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation?
May 21, Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; John 17:20-26
Hayley Bonython ’25, Graduate Student
In Acts, Paul is surrounded by division and uncertainty as he stands before the council, yet even in the chaos, God gives him courage and direction, assuring him that his mission is not finished. In John’s Gospel, Jesus prays for all believers, asking that they may be united in love just as he is one with the Father. Together, these readings remind us that God is present both in our struggles and in our relationships with others. This Easter season, we are called to trust God’s guidance in difficult moments and to live in unity, reflecting Christ’s love to the world.
May 22, Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19
Clayton Carson, Maintenance Technician
By asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” echoing his previous denials, shows us that faith is not always constant and unwavering. It is OK to lose faith and find it again. He also commands Peter to “feed his sheep” and “lambs.” In his absence, Jesus wants Peter to care for his followers by feeding them the Word of God and tending to their spiritual needs. These instructions are still valid today; a true disciple of Jesus will preach the Word of God and this will sustain us.
May 23, Saturday of the Seventh Week Vigil of Pentecost
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; John 21:20-25
Patricia Keller, Mission Animator, Western Kansas Program
Today, the lectionary gives us the closing sentences from Acts and John’s Gospel. Endings … followed by a beginning tomorrow — the birthday of Church that is Pentecost.
Jesus ignores a question Peter has. “What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” Peter, let go of control. Just live as a disciple. We can substitute our names for Peter’s, and release control while focusing on our discipleship. How? In the first reading, Paul shows us how. Paul is confined in Rome under house arrest. And yet, he remains interiorly free. He can still pray, think, and speak out. He uses his voice to preach and teach. Likewise, we can do what we can with the abilities we have. And the opportunities that arise. And focus on being followers.
May 24, Solemnity of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-11; Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23
Sister Jenny Sellaro ASC ‘20, Board of Trustees Member
As I reflect on this Solemnity’s readings, the first sentence that captured me was “They were all in one place together.” It is easy to be in the same place, but it is not easy to be in one place and together. Community, where two or three are united, is where God chooses to be.
So, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. Imagine what a confusion if you are in a room with at least twelve people speaking different languages? And yet the crowd was amazed, and every person listened about the mighty acts of God in their own mother tongue. They went from chaos to the Beautiful Order of Things, a concept that S. Maria De Mattias once introduced, where everyone has a place to occupy, a call to fulfill. A place where diversity is a gift and a gift of the Spirit, and every gift ultimately is given to become community and One with Jesus Christ.
Even when our hearts are locked, even when we are hiding and afraid, sad and discouraged, come Holy Spirit, put peace in our hearts and courage in our actions.
2026 Easter Reflections
These reflections offer a source of strength, a reason for joy, and a shared reminder that even in the quietest moments, the dawn of a new chapter is always within reach.
