As the Easter season continues, Newman University community members — from students and alumni to board members and campus ministers — are sharing daily reflections on what it means to live a faith that goes deeper than the surface.
During the third week of Easter, contributors drew on readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John to wrestle with themes of listening, trust, perseverance and bold witness. The reflections invite readers to encounter Scripture — and each other — at the heart level.
April 19, Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-23; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
Sister Fran Schumer ASC, Board of Trustees Member
LISTEN! SEE! Our readings today challenge us to use our senses – but at a level deeper than just the everyday. In the first reading Peter raises his voice and proclaims to his audience that they are to “listen” to his words. You can almost hear the intensity of his request. He wants them to really understand who this Jesus of Nazareth was and still is because of his resurrection. In the Gospel the two disciples listen to this stranger who has joined them on their journey, but do they really hear what he is saying. Why can they see who this person is? Some things require us to get out of our mundane, run-of-the-mill, often self-centered way of walking through life and encountering others. Being Christian requires an attentiveness in both listening and seeing that allows us to go deeper than the surface, to encounter others as fellow human beings at the heart level. To listen intently and accompany reverently as Jesus did.
April 20, Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 6:8-15; Gospel: John 6:22-29
Samuel J. Somerhalder, Newman Student
These readings from Acts and John are both prime examples of faith leading to eternal life. Stephen, though scorned and faced with false accusations, boldly witnesses to the Gospel and encourages believers to rely on God even in times of persecution. This connects to what Jesus says during His “Bread of Life Discourse,” when He responds to the crowd by explaining that the works of God are accomplished through believing in “the one He sent,” rather than focusing only on what can be physically seen or received. During this holy Easter time, we must remember to live out our faith and beliefs in a way that reflects God, just as Stephen did.
April 21, Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 7:51-8:1; John 6:30-35
Hazel Leslie, Lead Clinical Director, Nurse Anesthesia
In Acts 7:51—8:1, Stephen calls out the people for being stubborn and rejecting God. Then in John 6:30–35, Jesus is clearly offering himself as the Bread of Life something meant to fully satisfy. Both passages highlight the tension between resistance and what God is trying to offer. It stands out to me that even when God provides exactly what we need, people still resist or miss it. My hope and prayer are that our eyes be opened and our hearts embrace the life-giving grace that God persistently extends to all.
April 22, Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40
Rev. Mr. Luke Meyerhoff ’20, Transitional Deacon
In our first reading from the Acts, we hear about the apostles experiencing many setbacks, many disruptions to their work of sharing the Gospel. They experience hardships, persecutions and, for some, martyrdom. But they remain faithful to their mission, sharing the Good News with joy and boldness. What about us? When we experience difficulties in our spiritual lives, do they make us put our faith on hold? Or are they opportunities for us to lean into our trust in the Lord? Because ultimately, the Lord can work victoriously through it all. Let us trust boldly in the Lord!
April 23, Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 8:26-40; John 6:44-51
LaShonda Porter, Board of Trustees Member
Faith begins with God’s invitation and grows as we respond with openness, faith, and trust. As Philip demonstrated, obedience is essential when we commit to following Christ. Even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan, we are still called to obey, trusting that outcome will reveal His purpose. At times, we may feel unprepared or unsure, but God’s timing is perfect, and He equips along the way. Today, we can take comfort in knowing that His guidance is intentional, His timing perfect, and His Spirit is ready to lead us into a deeper, sustaining relationship with Him.
April 24, Friday of the Third Week
Acts 9:1-20; John 6:52-59
Josh Schnoecker-Prilliman ’14, Director of Student Activities
Life is filled with doubt, doubt about our jobs, our family obligations, our own abilities, or even who we are supposed to be. I read the scriptures from John and Acts and I am overwhelmed with a sense of trust and belief. It is far easier to question the road that we walk than it is to trust that we will be led through every trial and tribulation set before us. The fear, or in Saul’s case of anger towards what he cannot explain until he is placed into a position that requires him to step back and put his trust into the Lord for the path forward. God has promised us his love and protection, and during this Easter season we are truly reminded what will come when we let go and put our faith and trust into Him.
April 25, Feast of St. Mark
1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20
Christopher Mick, Human Relations Coordinator
On the feast of St. Mark, the readings call us to live with both humility and courage. In Peter, we are urged to “clothe ourselves with humility” and place our anxieties in God’s loving care. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus sends his disciples into the world with a bold mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.” Together, these messages remind us that, when we humbly trust God, He strengthens us to serve others with confidence and joy. Like Mark, we are invited not only to believe the Good News, but to share it through our words, actions, and faith-filled lives.
