Newman University invites all community members to reflect with weekly reflections throughout the season of Advent, Dec. 1-24.
Advent is a liturgical season the Christian Churches offer us to spiritually prepare for the celebration of Christmas, the reality of Jesus becoming human so that we can become divine. Advent invites us to open our whole selves to welcome Jesus, God-made-flesh, Emmanuel.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Scripture readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
Reflection by Sister Kris Schrader, ASC
Here we are, barely dipping our toes into Advent and we are surrounded today with words of hope and promise.
“God is with us. God has done great things for us, and we are glad. God will carry on the good work begun in each of us. God will make the rough ways smooth.”
Advent is the Church’s gift to us, a time to prepare … our hearts, our hopes, our desires and discernment of ways to give witness to God’s fidelity in our own life’s journey and in the community’s journey to be light, compassion, God’s presence in a broken and hurting world.
In our liturgical celebrations, there are a lot of words. Sometimes it seems that the Church’s guiding principle is “if five words are adequate, 50 must be super adequate.” But words are important and hold immense power. They can inspire us, move us, embarrass us, threaten us, challenge or comfort us. I encourage you to read over today’s readings and hold tight to the one phrase or word (just one) that speaks to you and carry that into the week.
May our words this week offer hope and comfort to another.
Monday, Dec. 9 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
Scripture readings: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38
Reflection by Audrey Hane, assistant dean for arts and sciences
In today’s readings, we encounter an invitation to consider Mary’s unique role in salvation history and her response to God’s call. Mary, conceived without sin, was indeed unique — chosen and prepared to be the Mother of God. Yet, her life reminds us that holiness doesn’t exempt one from human challenges. She faced fear and uncertainty, just as we do, especially when Gabriel appeared and spoke those bewildering words: “Do not be afraid.” In that moment, her initial response might have been much like our own in times of confusion or challenge. And yet, Mary moves beyond fear and into trust.
Her “yes” becomes a model for us to follow. Though we aren’t conceived without original sin, we are each chosen and called to God’s purpose. Like Mary, we are asked to bear Christ into the world — through our actions, words and compassion for others. Mary’s joy and sorrow remind us that our call to holiness doesn’t shield us from suffering. Instead, as with Mary, it brings deeper meaning to it.
On this feast, let us offer our own moments of fear and struggle, knowing that God can transform them into spaces of grace. Through Mary’s example, may we find courage to say “yes” to God’s call in our lives, trusting that his grace will always sustain us.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Scripture readings: Isaiah 40:1-1; Matthew 18:12-14
Reflection by Alex Klein, seminarian
As we have seen in these two readings of Isaiah and Mathew, Jesus is our shepherd who will continue seeking us no matter what we have done or where we are. He has saved us already! Now, all we must do is let Jesus save us or, as in the analogy of the sheep with their shepherd, we must let Jesus pick us up and carry us on his shoulders. Jesus has already paid the debt for our sins; thus, we must flee to his saving hand and allow him to love us and lead us in his way!
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Scripture readings: Isaiah 40:25-32; Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection by Michael Probus, vice president of enrollment management
Advent invites us to embrace our dependence on God, who tenderly calls, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” As we mourn loved ones and welcome new life into the world, we are reminded of the fragile beauty of our humanity and our need for Christ, who entered our world to conquer death and bring new hope. Trusting in Christ doesn’t remove the pain or diminish the joy but anchors us in His promise of eternal life. Advent assures us: Emmanuel, God with us, has come and will come again. In Him, we find peace, healing and renewal.
Thursday, Dec. 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Scripture readings: Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:26-38
Reflection by student Angelica Rodriguez
As I read and reflect on Zechariah and Luke, I am in awe of the Lord’s commitment to his people. As we celebrate our Lady today, we reflect on her commitment to bring into the world the Savior responsible of fulfilling the Lord’s promise to the people of Israel. It was Mary’s “yes” to the angel that brought about the salvation and peace that was promised. During this Advent season, I invite you to open your heart and to say “yes” the way Mary did even though she was uncertain of what would happen and to serve God the way Mary did.
Friday, Dec. 13
Scripture readings: Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19
Reflection by Dakota Heard ‘20
As I read Isaiah and Matthew for today’s readings, I am struck by how they urge us to heed God’s word and not sit idly by. As we journey through this Advent season, we’re called to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth. These verses help us identify how we can do so. Heed the Lord’s commandments and we shall always be in God’s presence. When Jesus comes to us in our daily life, let us join him on the way.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Scripture readings: Isaiah 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
Reflection by Grant Figueroa, groundskeeping
We are already to the middle of Advent. It’s easy to get caught up in the things of this world, especially around Christmas time. But in Isaiah, God reminds us that He is all merciful. He knows every flaw we possess and yet still sets us up to succeed. Where else can we be surrounded in a pool of our failures, and still be given the support to succeed, to achieve, to convert others and our own hearts? Only from God. How very comforting.
Perhaps we could call the passage from Matthew bittersweet. We are given God’s word that the Son of Man will in fact rise after His death, but then we are also given the first prediction of the Passion. During Advent, we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s coming into the world, but we must remember that those preparations are also for our Lord’s next coming.
Find all Advent Reflection Series
From the Newman campus and the reflective hearts of generous persons, you are invited to journey with the greater Newman family in preparing for Christmas. A new reflection will be shared for each day of the week. Blessings and a peaceful journey.
