2024 Advent Reflections
from the Villanova University Community
ADVENT REFLECTIONS 2024
Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God, who came to dwell in our midst.
God’s presence can be found in the most ordinary situations, serving as a source of joy and hope. It presents a constant opportunity for us to connect with the divine, whether we are helping someone in need, experiencing a chance encounter or living in the quiet or mundane moments of daily life. In these instances, we can discover God, who calls to us, speaks to us, and inspires our actions.
Advent is about remaining watchful, as one of the greatest mistakes in life is to become so absorbed in countless distractions that we overlook God.
St. Augustine expressed this concern when he said, “I fear that Jesus will pass me by unnoticed” (Sermon 88).
When we allow our interests to draw us in and get distracted by insignificant matters, we risk losing sight of what is truly essential. Becoming self–centered can lead to increased greed; the emptier our hearts are, the more we feel the need to buy, own and consume.
Advent is a time to live in hope, to discover God, to honor God and to share God with one another. These reflections penned by members of the Villanova University community provide daily inspiration as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cover artwork: Detail of Virgin and Child, bas relief. Provincial Offices, St. Thomas of Villanova Friary, Villanova, Pa.
TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 5, 2023
DECEMBER 1, 2024
As we enter Advent, we’re constantly reminded that we’re entering a penitential season in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The Gospel reading paints an intense scene that urges us to “be vigilant” (LK 21:36) as we prepare for our judgment.
While we often focus our vigilance on the “wrong” things, such as constantly preparing for the challenges life throws at us, we must consider what is truly important. We tend to be vigilant in our decisions regarding our careers and social lives in pursuit of certain aspirations. While this is acceptable, if our vigilance is limited to these areas, we risk losing sight of our future beyond this world. As we prepare for a new job, are we also preparing for the coming of our Lord?
We are called to live with this awareness continuously— now, tomorrow, next week, next month, and beyond— for we do not know the moment the Lord will come.
—Rechelle Febrer ’25 CLAS
How can I be vigilant this Advent to prepare for Christmas and the coming of Jesus?
JER 33:14–16
PS 25:4–5, 8–9, 10, 14
1 THES 3:12–4:2 LK 21:25–28, 34–36
“I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah,” (JER 33:14)
MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 2, 2024
IS 2:1–5
PS 122:1–2, 3–4b, 4cd–5, 6–7, 8–9
MT 8:5–11
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you
enter under my roof.” (MT 8:8)
At a time that many feel is the most polarized ever and after being in two wars for more than a year, these readings call us to stop conflict, and put aside differences to come together in unity, peace and love.
We see a future Jerusalem shining in peace and unity where weapons of fighting are transformed into agricultural tools and all tribes come together as one. And someone as different as a powerful Centurion, is rewarded by his own humble recognition of who he is.
Can we transform our own weapons of fighting, by changing words of blame and hurt into words of kindness and love? Can we see in others, not what makes us different, but what we have in common? Can we then come together, one day at a time, realizing that despite our social, economic, cultural or physical differences, we are all one in God’s eyes?
—Ross
A. Lee, PhD,
Professor of Practice, Sustainable Engineering
How can I find ways each day to work with others, no matter how different from me, in peace, love, and harmony, to achieve more together than we could ever have achieved alone.
TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 3, 2024
The readings for this day abound in relational imagery. In the Gospel, Jesus affirms that the disciples are able to see and hear the truth of God’s reign because of their commitment to Him, and because of His intimacy with God. It is proximity and mutual engagement that reveal God’s presence. And for Isaiah, when God’s servant brings justice to the community, the evidence is the same. Those who were divided, those who were predator and prey, those who were aggressor and victim, are brought into relationships of equity and mutual care. The wolf is the guest of the lamb; the calf and lion graze together; the cow and bear become neighbors. In a time when our lives and world feel deeply divided, the Advent season invites us to draw close and live into that altered reality, where separation is erased by the accomplishment of divine justice and relationships flow from the outpouring of divine love.
—The Rev. Julie Sheetz, Director of Multifaith Ministry, Office for Mission and Ministry
Who is God calling me to draw near to in this Advent season?
IS 11:1–10
PS 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17 LK 10:21–24
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. (LK
10:21)
WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 4, 2024
IS 25:6–10a
PS 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6
MT 15:29–37
“The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.”
(IS 25:8)
Jesus’ compassion for the hungry crowd reveals a profound truth about God’s care for humanity. He recognizes not just their physical hunger after three days of teaching, but also their deeper spiritual yearning. This miracle echoes through time to remind us of both corporal and spiritual works of mercy. When we feed the hungry—whether with bread or with compassion, with water or with understanding— we participate in Christ’s mission.
Today’s challenge is clear: Do we see the hunger around us? Not just empty stomachs, but empty hearts? Not just physical poverty, but spiritual poverty? Christ calls us to follow His example—to notice, care, and act, trusting that His providence will multiply our modest offerings into abundance. Let us pray for the grace to recognize both kinds of hunger and the courage to respond with Christ–like compassion.
Amen.
—The Rev. Deji Dada, ’20 MS
How do I love and serve those in need?
THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 5, 2024
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus reminds us that when we build our homes solidly on rock, we will withstand the storm. When we build on sand, our house may be ruined. We hear about storms often in the news. We prayerfully keep those impacted by Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, the floods in Valencia, Spain and more in our hearts. However, storms may also come in the form of unforeseen financial hardship, illness, death of a loved one or any number of other storms. Our lives may be disrupted in ways that are sudden, tragic, incomprehensible. Just as Jesus assures his disciples, we, too, will overcome our storms if we build our homes in stone, not sand. In what ways can we strengthen the foundation of our spiritual homes in preparation for life’s hardships?
—Mary Cassidy–Campos P ’23 (VSB)
In what ways can we strengthen the foundation of our spiritual homes in preparation for life’s hardships?
IS 26:1–6
PS 118:1 and 8–9, 19–21, 25–27a
MT 7:21, 24–27
“I will enter (the gates of justice) and give thanks to the LORD.” (PS 118:19)
FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK
DECEMBER 6, 2024
IS 29:17–24
PS 27:1, 4, 13–14
MT 9:27–31
“Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.”
(PS 27:14)
Where do we find our joy? As we prepare for the coming of our Lord, today’s readings encourage us to seek joy. Isaiah compares the Lord’s arrival to giving sight to the blind amongst darkness and gloom. Life nowadays is filled with bearers of gloom that serve as a foggy haze for us—papers, bills, technology, the absence of relationships—the list could go on and on. Our reading reminds us that we all experience some form of blindness. However, when we turn our hearts toward Jesus and rejoice in His blessed coming, we truly begin to see and hear. The distractions of life fade, and our afflictions lessen, bringing hope and relief.
In this time, we are called to wait with joy, belief, thanksgiving and renewed hope. Our psalmist puts it best. “Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the LORD” (PS 27:14). Let us actively seek joy in the Lord during Advent by prioritizing our relationship with Him and our community.
—Michael Whaley ’27 CLAS
Where do I find my joy this Advent season?
DECEMBER 7, 2024
God promises us love if we promise ourselves to Him. This is a powerful statement: What safety could He give me? Why must I give myself over to Him? God does not ask us to sacrifice all we have for His love or to transform ourselves to earn His love. Rather, God invites us to meet Him as we are, in our freedom. God recognizes us in our struggles and yearns to love us; only we can come to Him. He encourages us to give and spread his love, just as He has given so freely. Today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Ambrose, we remember how he encouraged St. Augustine to earn redemption by humbly meeting God and receiving His divine love. As we await Christ’s coming with patience and hope, how can we meet God in our current circumstances?
—Kaitlin
Gibson ’26 CLAS
How can we love as generously and willingly as God does?
IS 30:19–21, 23–26
PS 147:1–2, 3–4, 5–6
MT 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6–8
“Blessed are all who wait for the LORD.” (IS 30:18d)
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 8, 2024
BAR 5:1–9
PS 126:1–2, 2–3, 4–5, 6.
PHIL 1:4–6, 8–11
LK 3:1–6
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
(PS 126:3)
Luke identifies a specific point in history for the coming of Jesus. He also stated explicitly that the Word of God came to one particular person, called John. John, on his part, preached a distinct message rooted in prophetic heritage.
As it was in the days of John the Baptist, so it is in our day. God speaks to each of us in specific terms, considering our special circumstances and individuality. St. Augustine puts it well: “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us” (Confessions, Book III, 11,19). The question is, are we actively listening to his voice speaking through the challenges and opportunities that come our way? Do we allow ourselves to experience his love? Lord, open our hearts to your word that we may receive you more fully at Christmas.
—The Rev. John Abubakar, OSA Chief Sustainabiity Officer, Villanova University
How do we listen intentionally to God during this season?
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
DECEMBER
9, 2024
One of my favorite paintings is “The Annunciation” by Henry Ossawa Tanner. In it, we see Mary as a young girl sitting up in bed with her eyes fixed on a beam of light across from her. We’re called to contemplate the reality of what this moment likely looked like ... this little girl seemed timid, unsure and scared … yet she was deeply listening. Can you imagine? The angel tells her not to be afraid and, in that moment, Mary had to make the choice to cast fear aside. This enabled her to know her calling in its fullness and to respond with joy.
This Gospel teaches us so much about what becomes possible when we are in a real, life–giving relationship with God. Fear cannot be part of the picture, for God loves us and calls us to more than we could ever dream of … if only we might be brave enough to say “yes.”
—Meghan Dietzler ’23 MA Associate Director for Peer Ministry, Office for Mission and Ministry
What might God be calling you to in these days? How can you remind yourself to not let fear or uncertainty get in the way of your response?
GN 3:9–15, 20
PS 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4
EPH 1:3–6, 11–12
LK 1:26–38
“Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise” (PS 98:4).
TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK
DECEMBER 10, 2024
IS 40:1–11
PS 96:1–2, 3 and 10ac, 11–12, 13
MT 18:12–14
”It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
(MT 18:14)
Today is International Human Rights Day and the closing of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Pope John Paul II called one of the great milestones of our times and are, in the words of Pope Benedict: universal, inalienable and interdependent.
In the readings, we hear that the voice cries out in the desert, “prepare the way of the Lord” (IS 40:3). In the Gospel, Jesus tells us of looking for the lost sheep. Many times, that lost sheep is the human dignity of the poor, lost in our times. Many times, we are called to cry out and prepare the way of the Gospel of life and human rights, too easily sacrificed today.
On this day may we find the lost and cry out for the poor. We do so in hope because we prepare to celebrate the day when the light came into the world and overcame darkness.
—The Rev. John J. Lydon, OSA, PhD Assistant Director, Center for Faith and Learning, Office for Mission and Ministry
How are you preparing your heart to welcome the light of Christ?
WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK
DECEMBER 11, 2024
“When despair for the world grows in me / … I come into the peace of wild things … / … For a time / I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
These snippets of Wendell Berry’s poem “The Peace of Wild Things” came to mind as I sat with today’s readings.
Wild and peace may not seem to go together, but what Berry finds in the various “wild things” he encounters are creatures that escape his control but nevertheless witness to a certain innate peace, much like the eagle in Isaiah. At this time of year, with its temptation to feel in control of so much, perhaps what we may really need is to find a quiet place in nature to seek the peace of wild things, who, if we can pause long enough to listen, wait with us for the peace—and rest—that Christ brings.
—Mathew Verghese ’18 MA Director of Liturgy and Sacred Music, Office for Mission and Ministry
Where do I find rest amidst the busyness of life?
IS 40:25–31
PS 103:1–2, 3–4, 8 and 10
MT 11:28–30
“ Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things.” (IS 40:26)
THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK
DECEMBER 12, 2024
As we prepare ourselves during this Advent season for the “Coming of Christ” in the triple perspective of His Nativity in Bethlehem, in the hearts of believers and his Second Coming, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The readings for this feast invite us to hope and rejoice because the Lord is coming. In the Gospel according to Luke, the Blessed Virgin Mary receives the Good News that she will become the mother of God. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe expecting and waiting is a sign that salvation is near. Many times, we worry about what the future holds.
Our Lady’s words to Juan Diego, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?,” reassures us today. We may face many challenges and difficulties in our life’s journey. If we trust the Lord as Our Lady, we can walk filled with hope and joy.
—The Rev. Winston R. Méndez Silvagnoli Pastor, Resurrection Parish, Ponce, Puerto Rico (Uncle of Alejandra Galarza Mendez ’27 VSB)
Mientras nos preparamos durante este tiempo de Adviento para la “Venida de Cristo” en la triple perspectiva de: Su Natividad en Belén, en los corazones de los creyentes y su Segunda Venida, celebramos la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Las lecturas de esta fiesta nos invitan a la esperanza y al regocijo porque el Señor viene. En el Evangelio según san Lucas, la Santísima Virgen María recibe la Buena Nueva de que se convertirá en la madre de Dios. La imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe esperando y esperando es una señal de que la salvación está cerca. Muchas veces, nos preocupamos por lo que nos depara el futuro.
Las palabras de Nuestra Señora a Juan Diego, “¿No estoy yo aquí, yo que soy tu madre?,” nos tranquiliza hoy. Es posible que enfrentemos muchos desafíos y dificultades en el viaje de nuestra vida. Si confiamos en el Señor como nuestra Señora, podemos caminar llenos de esperanza y alegría.
—P. Winston R. Méndez Silvagnoli Párroco, Parroquia La Resurrección, Ponce, Puerto Rico (Tío de Alejandra Galarza Mendez ’27 VSB)
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
ZEC 2:14–17
JDT 13: 18bcde, 19
LK 1:26–38
“She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations.” (RV 12:5)
ZA 2, 14–17
JDT 13, 18bcde. 19
LC 1, 26–38
“La mujer dio a luz un hijo varón, destinado a gobernar todas las naciones. (AP 12:4)
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK
DECEMBER 13, 2024
IS 48:17–19
PS 1:1–2, 3, 4 and 6
MT 11:16–19
“Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.”
(JN 8:12)
When we allow the Lord our God to guide us through life, we open ourselves to God’s wisdom and light of love shining upon us.
God tells us, “If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea” (IS 48:18). We know that if we listen and pray to God, especially during this sacred time, that our lives will be filled with God’s glory and forgiveness.
As we joyfully prepare for the birth of Jesus in this Advent season, let’s remind ourselves to listen to God and understand God’s plan for us. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness leading up to the Christmas season, but let’s remember the reason for our celebration.
—Lucy Dierkes Friend of Villanova
As you go about your day, reflect on your actions. Ask yourself if you have paid attention to the Lord today. If not, how can you do so?
SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK
DECEMBER 14, 2024
Just about halfway through Advent, today we hear about Elijah in both of our readings. We hear in the first reading that Elijah’s words are like “a flaming furnace” (SIR 48:1) and we hear “how awesome … are his wondrous deeds” (SIR 48:4). Words and deeds.
Today we celebrate the feast of St. John of the Cross, a mystic born in Spain in the 16th century whose words and deeds very much reflect his faith in who Jesus was. His words and deeds led to imprisonment and ill treatment by his own Carmelite brothers as he was trying to reform their community life because he believed their practice of the interior life had become lax.
In 11 days, we will celebrate with great festivities that Jesus took on our flesh in order that we could enjoy God’s presence in the next life. More importantly than the lights, gifts, meals and decorations, do our words and deeds reflected what we are celebrating?
—The Rev. William Waters, OSA, ’68 MA
Do my words and actions show how I observe Advent?
SIR 48:1–4, 9–11
PS 80:2ac and 3b, 15–16, 18–19
MT 17:9a, 10–13
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (LK 3:4)
THIRD
SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 15, 2024
ZEP 3:14–18a
IS 12:2–3, 4, 5–6.
PHIL 4:4–7
LK 3:10–18
“With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” (IS 12:3)
The themes of joy, rejoicing, and expectation weave through the readings for this Third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday. In fact, Gaudete means, “Rejoice!” This last full week before we celebrate the birth of Jesus is a time to rejoice in anticipation of what is to come and to reflect on the joy that Jesus, the light of the world, brings to us.
In the first reading, we hear, “Be glad and exult with all your heart” (ZEP 3:14) and “The LORD, your God, is in your midst” (ZEP 3:15) while the psalmist calls on us to “Cry out with joy and gladness” (IS 12:6). In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (PHIL 4:4). These remaining days of Advent are often a time of busyness and stress. Let us remember to focus on the joy in anticipating the arrival of Jesus. As St. Paul tells us, “The Lord is near” (PHIL 4:5). Rejoice!
—Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD Assistant Vice President and Director of Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, Office for Mission and Ministry
What is one way we can focus on the joy Jesus gives to us in this last full week of Advent?
MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Imagine having your morning coffee and receiving a text saying you are the One who hears, knows, and sees what God says (NUM 24:4). Or imagine walking to your car and being knocked over and made blind to help you focus on Gods message. God doesn’t need such dramatic gestures to communicate with us. Our Baptism connects us to the God of hearing, knowing and seeing.
I often felt anxious during my first year at Villanova, so I took solitary walks. During one of these walks, I prayed the Our Father and heard a clear, gentle, loving voice respond, I desire you, and you have chosen Me. This personal, intimate experience, though not as grand as an oracle or St. Pauls, was what I needed to find direction for my days at Villanova and beyond.
Today, take a moment to sit quietly in the Lords presence, releasing your worries. Remember, He knows your heart and offers comfort and peace.
—Stephen C. Marini, PhD ’71 CLAS
How can you just allow the Lord to look upon you and love you?
NM 24:2–7, 15–17a
PS25:4–5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8–9
MT 21:23–27
“He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.”
(PS 25:9)
TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 17, 2024
GN 49:2, 8–10
PS 72:1–2, 3–4ab, 7–8, 17
MT 1:1–17
“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” (PS
72:7)
In the first reading, Jacob sets one of his sons, Judah, apart from the rest. The Gospel traces the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Judah, to David, to Joseph, and then finally to Jesus. Jacob says, “the scepter shall never part from Judah” (GN 49:12), signifying that though the earthly reign of David will end, the heavenly Kingdom of God will never end. Even though many generations pass, each experiencing many hardships, they endured these challenges because they believed in God’s promise of salvation through the Messiah.
In our daily lives, we are faced with our own challenges, but by remaining faithful to God, as Jesus’s family did, and cooperating with God’s grace, we will receive God’s promise of salvation.
—Amelia Arrieta ’26 CLAS
How do I remember and recognize God in times of great challenge?
WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 18, 2024
God is with us, not only in Isaiah’s time but also in ours. The presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus, fulfills our yearning for God, especially during Advent. We focus on the Lord and pray for our spiritual renewal as Jesus comes among us.
Today’s O Antiphon, “Come to rescue us with your mighty power,” reflects our longing for His arrival, much like the Israelites awaited the Messiah. Jesus, Emmanuel, brings peace and justice, and we open our hearts to receive His gifts. His coming is a precious gift from God the Father, opening the gates of Heaven. Advent helps us prepare to welcome Him, remembering the simplicity and humility of His birth in Bethlehem, just as Mary and Joseph did. His presence is meant to be lived and experienced in our lives.
—Frank Herron ’63 CLAS
Have we prepared room in our hearts for Jesus, and have we invited him in?
JER 23:5–8
PS 72:1–2, 12–13, 18–19
MT 1:18–25
“He did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him (MT 1:24).
THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 19, 2024
JGS 13:2–7, 24–25a
PS 71:3–4a, 5–6ab, 16–17
LK 1:5–25
“Do not be afraid.”
(LK 1:13)
From the outset, the biblical story is one of God choosing unlikely candidates and unexpected ways to accomplish God’s purposes.
In Scripture, we are encountered by a God who always works for good, even when we mess things up; a God who specializes in making a way in the wilderness, opening up a future when none seems possible.
God proves faithful by working in unexpected ways and through unlikely candidates, even such unlikely candidates as you and me. God works against all odds—despite our weaknesses, despite our doubts, despite our resistance, to create faith in us and to accomplish God’s purposes.
—The Rev. Arthur
Purcaro, OSA, PhD, ’72 CLAS Assistant Vice President, Mission and Ministry
How can I help those who feel left out to know that Advent is a time to discover how God loves each of us as we are and invites us to take the next possible step to grow in relationships with God, myself, others and creation?”
FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 20, 2024
Our relationship with God fluctuates in our individual spiritual journeys. Yet, the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us,” reminds us that God remains constant, always present, even when we feel far from Him.
When I arrived at Villanova, I was already Catholic, but my relationship with God wasn’t as deep as it could have been. It wasn’t until I connected with others, building meaningful relationships and learning from my peers, that I felt a more profound closeness with God. This journey of faith took on new meaning during my time in Rome. Through my Church and Transformation class, I witnessed God’s love and kindness in inexplicable, beautiful ways. I could see God working through others, through the practice of synodality and in the radiance of the world around me.
Our relationship with God is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Christmas is the perfect time to renew our connection to and grow in God’s love.
—Madigan Reens ’26 VSB
How do I recognize God’s love in my journey?
IS 7:10–14
PS 24:1–2, 3–4ab, 5–6
LK 1:26–38
“You have found favor with God.”
(LK 1:30)
SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK
DECEMBER 21, 2024
SG 2:8–14
PS 33:2–3, 11–12, 20–21
LK 1:39–45
“Be glad and exult with all your heart.” (ZEP 3:14)
“Blessed are you who believed” (LK 1:45).
This phrase from today’s Gospel beautifully illustrates how Mary’s faith exemplifies the transformative power of trust in God amidst life’s uncertainties and challenges. Despite her young age and unique circumstances, Mary’s trust and faith allow her to respond courageously to God’s call. Her bold “yes” invites us to embrace whatever life and God place before us. This may be challenging at times as what is put before us is hard or involves suffering. However, our trust in God can reassure us that God’s plan is always for our good, and our “yes” to God will never be in vain.
As we approach Christmas, what circumstances can we say “yes” to with God that might open our lives to new blessings that God wants to bestow on us?
—Matthew Davis ’21 MS Associate Director, Center for Church Management
What circumstances can we say “yes” to with God that might open our lives to new blessings that God wants to bestow on us?
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 22, 2024
What must Mary have been going through as she traveled “in haste” to see her cousin Elizabeth? She only recently discovered she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. As a young woman betrothed to be married to Joseph, I imagine she was worried about the future as she made what must have been a grueling trip to a town that was 80 miles away. What a moment of elation it must have been to see her cousin, who was believed too old to conceive, pregnant with John the Baptist.
Reflecting on today’s Scripture passages, I return to the words: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Both Mary and Elizabeth put their trust in God. Yes, it is a sacrifice to carry and care for a child, but it’s also a sacred privilege. When reading Luke 1:39–45, I too feel called to leap for joy like the infant in Elizabeth’s womb and celebrate the miracle of new life.
—Megan Walsh–Boyle Senior Writer, University Communication and Marketing
What are you willing to sacrifice for God?
MI 5:1–4a
PS 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19.
HEB 10:5–10
LK 1:39–45
“Behold, I come to do your will, O God.”
(HEB 10:7)
MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK
DECEMBER 23, 2024
MAL 3:1–4, 23–24
PS 25:4–5ab, 8–9, 10 and 14
LK 1:57–66
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” (PS 25:5)
Before the savior, comes John the Baptist. He is “the messenger of the covenant” (MAL 3:1), the new covenant in Jesus’s Blood. In preparation to “offer due sacrifice to the Lord” (MAL 3:3), let us move our hearts to deeper love and humility.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me” (PS 25:4), asks the psalmist. Let us receive the Way, the Truth and the Life in childlike openness, trust and faith. In docility, let us be open to God, the Savior, as He truly is, not as how we want or imagine Him to be.
The same love that was born in Bethlehem was offered at Calvary. Even more, He offers Himself in the Eucharist to be borne in our hearts. It is in total love that He beckons each of us to heights greater than we can imagine. In response, let us make ourselves a sincere gift of self to God and one another!
—Joshua D. Tsai ’23 CLAS
How can I allow God’s love to transform my life?
TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK
DECEMBER 24, 2024
In today’s Gospel reading, we hear Zechariah burst into song after having his speech restored with the naming of his son, John the Baptist. Zechariah had his speech removed due to his skepticism at the likelihood of him and his elderly wife, Elizabeth, being able to conceive in their old age, despite the good news from the angel Gabriel.
Perhaps after the shock of losing his voice wore off, Zechariah used this time of waiting for the birth of his son as an inward spiritual journey, deepening his ability to listen to the surprising ways God was at work in the world around him.
Each of us goes through seasons when we need help learning how to cultivate a deeper listening to the voice of God. This Christmas Eve, may we find ourselves inspired like Zechariah to sing of the tender compassion of our God for our broken world.
—The Rev. Kiva Nice–Webb Campus Minister for Retreats, Office for Mission and Ministry
Where have you noticed the “tender compassion of God” in your life or the world during this Advent season?
2 SM 7:1–5, 8b–12, 14a, 16
PS 89:2–3, 4–5, 27 and 29 LK 1:67–79
“...the dawn from on high shall break upon us.” (LK 1:78)
Another year has shone forth for us— and we are to celebrate it today— the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
(Sermon 184, 1)