Christmas Day

Today's Readings

Ps 81:2                             Exult in God our help!
Ps. 47:2                                         Shout to the Lord God living and true with cries of gladness!
                                         Because the Lord, the Most High,
Ps 47:3                                          the Awesome, is the Great King over all the earth.
Ps 74:12                           Because the Most Holy Father of heaven, our King before all ages,
                                                      sent His Beloved Son from on high
                                                                 and He was born of the Blessed Virgin Holy Mary.
Ps 89:27                           He called to me: You are my Father
                                                      and I will place Him, my firstborn, as the Highest,
Ps 89:28                                                   above all the kings of the earth.
                                         On that day the Lord sent His mercy
Ps 42:9                                         and at night His song.
                                         This is the day the Lord has made
Ps 118:24                                     let us rejoice and be glad in it.
                                         For the Most Holy Child has been given to us
Is 9:6                                            and has been born for us on the way
Lk 2:7                                                      and placed in a manger
                                                                 because he did not have a place in the inn.
                                         Glory to the Lord God in the highest
Lk 2:14                                        and peace on earth to those of good will.
                                         Let the heavens rejoice and the earth exult,
                                                     let the sea and its fullness resound,
Ps 96: 11-12                                             let the fields and all that is in them be joyful.
                                         Sing a new song to the Lord,
Ps 96:1                                         sing to the Lord all the earth.
                                         Because the Lord is great and worthy of praise
Ps 96:4                                         He is awesome beyond all gods.
                                         Give to the Lord, you families of nations,
                                                     give to the Lord glory and praise,
Ps 96: 7-8                                                give to the Lord the glory due His name.
Lk 14:27; Jn 19:17           Take up your bodies and carry His holy cross
1 Pt 2:21                           And follow His most holy commands even to the end.

                                                       Saint Francis of Assisi, “Vespers of the Lord’s Birth,

                                                    Antiphon: Holy Virgin Mary (Psalm XV),” 156-7*

                                                     *Psalms arranged by St. Francis with interpolations.

                                 

Christmas Eve

Today's Readings

Luke 1:67-79

The silence of Advent is quiet, tranquil contemplation, an opportunity for peaceful spiritual preparation amidst the shopping, wrapping and hospitality of the season. But is Advent preparation meant to be gentle and serene? Perhaps...or is it possibly something more?

Having wrestled with today’s gospel for most of Advent, I have come to believe that the silence we are called to practice this season is uncomfortable. Earlier in the first chapter of Luke, where this gospel is situated, Zechariah has an encounter with the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:5-22). He questioned and doubted Gabriel’s message and was rendered mute. Communication disconnected. Radio silence. Far from being a calm quietude that comforts and reassures, it is DISquieting, fraught with worry and anxiety. Zechariah, left to his imagination, which if anything like mine, was likely paralyzed by the plight in which he was entrapped. This illustration is a far cry from a bucolic “Silent Night, Holy Night.”

When one’s life falls silent (and not by choice), it can be isolating, suffocating…terrifying. Spiritually, it may be an insistence that there is more to be done than sit quietly for 15 minutes a day with a cup of cocoa and a book of Advent reflections (which is, without judgement, a worthwhile and important spiritual exercise). The silence of waiting, when placed in the context of faith can be a challenging enjoinder.

Yet, I see this particular silence as one that breaks open and brings forth vulnerability and fragility. Perhaps, to truly experience Advent we must risk and yield to a silence that reminds us we are not in control. A silence that plunges us into a darkness that seemingly offers no acknowledgement, guidance or response. It is a silence that bends and bows towards trust, to faith in God.

In his silence, Zechariah had to find new ways of believing, observing…of being in relationship with God and the world. He came to understand that a relationship is not a passive encounter. It demands problem solving and action, but it also requires patience and humility. It is more than just ticking off the boxes of offerings, prayers or lofty theological thoughts. Zechariah had to reshape, reform and author an authentic meaning of faith in God for himself. This awareness only became possible under imposed conditions. Within the turmoil of silence, Zechariah realized he was not in control of his destiny. No matter how carefully he planned, how devout he was, he didn’t fully know the true meaning of surrendering totally and entirely to God. He came to understand that attempts to remain in control of his personal narrative and destiny were never going to be sustained as they had always been. There was nothing more he could do. Nothing except submit to silence…let it shroud him; a silence of wonder, and an understanding of what it means to trust in God. It then became a silence of serenity, a silence of anticipation that morphed into a silence of joyful witness to faith. Ultimately Zechariah was catapulted into a realm of God calling him to proclaim his life, his faith.

Which (finally) brings us to today’s gospel reading where we discover that Zechariah has been released from his celestially imposed gag order and he bursts into exuberant joyful song.

I have gained a deeper understanding and admiration for Zechariah this Advent. Prior to this I’ve always seen him as the guy who had the audacity to question Gabriel and got what he deserved for his lack of faith. What I have come to appreciate is that he was an ordinary human who needed a push, who was reminded that God disrupts our lives, especially when we think we’ve got everything all figured out. Zechariah’s inflicted silence was a gift that invited him, through faith, to embrace a new life. The result is this beautiful canticle, an affirmation, a tribute of gratitude and praise. In this Benedictus, Zechariah exalts his son John, and professes the entrance of God as human who visibly and lovingly dwells among and within each one of us. I wonder if, without the silence he endured, would Zechariah have been able to come to this conclusion? Without the silence, could I?

The silence of Zechariah, the silence of Advent, reminds us that God beckons ordinary people into an extraordinary relationship that is all encompassing, all forgiving, and is filled with unconditional, abiding, gracious, merciful love. Advent silence might also be God stopping us in our tracks and imposing an obstacle for us to really listen, hear, practice and understand in order to fully embrace the grandeur and miracle of the Incarnation.

I hope that I can face the obstructions and silence into which I find myself colliding, rather than negotiate around or ignore them. Just perhaps, then, tomorrow and in the days to come, I might able to sing a single note like Zechariah, reflecting a faith in a loving relationship into which each of us is invited; a relationship with the humble Messiah who made an unexpected, unpretentious entrance into our world, who dwells among and within each and every human, and whose love reverberates throughout this gloriously created world. I hope that for each of us. Emmanuel.

Alexandria M. Egler, PhD

Executive Director of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Luke 1:57-66

If we could put today’s gospel to music it might sound like a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. Very down to earth and fun. Elizabeth has given birth and the residents of 1st century Judea come to visit. All the aunts and uncles, kids and neighbors gathered, everyone talking, nobody listening. We can just picture all the family and friends bringing food, taking turns holding the baby, offering opinions on feeding, diaper changing, sleeping. Everyone asking the name for the baby. Most are thinking it should be Zack, Jr. as a tribute to his very elderly father who has no voice at this moment. Elizabeth, being a strong woman (One of the many reasons I love Luke, he writes about some awesome women doing and saying amazing things), tells everyone to back off, they’re naming him John. Of course, the arguing begins, so group turns to Zechariah for his input. It’s interesting that the line reads “So they made SIGNS, asking his father what he wished him to be called.” (Luke 1:62). Some scholars speculate that Zechariah wasn’t just struck mute but he was deaf as well. Not to be disrespectful, but this game of charades only adds to the chaos that is unfolding. Zechariah grabs his trusty 1st century iPad (wax tablet) and writes that indeed the boy will be named John. With this writing Zechariah finds his voice! That stopped everyone in their tracks, because the angel visiting Zechariah with a message all of the sudden made sense.

Baby John is someone who is going to do some incredible stuff in his life. By naming his son John (in the Hebrew - Yohanan means “God has shown favor.”) Zechariah is letting everyone know that he recognizes the truth of what the Angel Gabriel promised earlier in this chapter.

I’m sure that once all the hullabaloo subsides everyone is back to adding their own two cents. “He’s got his mom’s eyes” “He has his dad’s hair.” “He cries a lot, he’s going to be a great singer.” “He kicks a lot, he’s going to earn a black belt in karate.” But looking at who we know John came to be, and the unbelievable circumstances of his birth, could any of our 1st century friends have predicted a guy who wandered in the desert eating locusts and honey, annoying those in power and eventually baptizing Jesus?

When a child is born, our hopes and beliefs about this new life are more our idea of who this person is going to be rather than who she/he actually will grow up to be. We can pretty safely say, that the baby born to Elizabeth and Zechariah was chosen by God to do great things because we know how story ends. But where do we fit into that story? Seamlessly. Each of us has been chosen by God to do great things. What we don’t always know (because most of us don’t get visited by the Archangel Gabriel), is what the greatness is that we are invited to do, how or when it will unfold. Zechariah, Elizabeth and their family and friends in Judea were able to put the puzzle pieces together after Zechariah regained his voice.

This story reveals that God has extraordinary plans for “ordinary” people. God finds us, God is among us, the manger isn’t a one and done. God comes into the fields and our homes and our places of work. God comes where life is being lived day in and day out, some days easier than others, without any fanfare. This quiet interruption/disruption plunges us into the unknown, making us afraid. When life begins to reveal itself and not in a manner we imagined, we become afraid. But that’s okay. Eventually that fear morphs into courage, followed by awe and ultimately an understanding of what we are to do with our lives. Elizabeth and Zechariah slogged through and overcame the fear and baby John was born. John lived a life of greatness, a life that in itself was filled with fear, but also with the joy and confidence of what he was being called to do; to recognize and share with others that God’s loving and enduring presence among and within each of us. Today we’re called to rejoice in the greatness of new life and the potential each of us has to share the good news. Sometimes though, we might have to embrace fear, in order for the miracles to occur so we can understand and see God.

Anonymous

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings

Isaiah 7:10-14

Poor Ahaz! He sits on the throne of King David and holds onto the northern kingdom in a time of great upheaval across the region. His enemies in Assyria and in Israel want to destroy him and his reign. God sends Isaiah the prophet to assure him that he will not fall but that his enemies will be destroyed. Just before the passage in today’s reading, the Lord reminds Ahaz through Isaiah, “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!”

It’s not always easy to be firm in faith, to be confident that when we choose a path that it’s the “right” one, that we will be able to see it through or become a better person by choosing wisely. Sometimes a lot is riding on the choices we make for ourselves or others and we really want a sign from God that things will be well, that we are moving in the right direction. Yet, we can often be afraid to ask for that sign, afraid to “tempt God”. But God wants to hear from us, wants us to be bold in asking and patient in waiting for those signs. As Christmas approaches, we recall the great sign of Jesus’ birth – Emmanuel - God with us, always. Might this be the sign we accept today?

Rev. Michael Callaghan, c.o.

Pastor

The Oratory Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Luke 1:39-45 

In today's gospel of Luke, we learn that Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth and have a beautiful encounter known as the Visitation. During Mary’s visitation, she was pregnant with Jesus, and Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. We learn that no matter where God is, he will always bring us joy. The word joy can be expressed by having full emotions of happiness and delight. Mary brought God to Elizabeth in which she felt that excitement in her womb and her heart. Elizabeth was the first one who was able to witness the presence of God. At that moment she knew that Mary was the chosen one to have the son of God. The way that we can connect this visitation is when we bring God to those that we meet. The people we meet can bring us even closer to God. For example, when you help someone in need with clothing or food you are filling their hearts with joy because they are thankful for the thoughtful gift you have provided for them. In return, that joy fills you because of the smiles you put on their faces. This act of service demonstrates that, even if you have nothing, you  would rather give it and have faith that it would come back to you in twice the amount. Mary and Elizabeth are both examples of receiving a wonderful blessing. As Christmas approaches, it is time to feel joyful for the coming of Jesus and all of the blessings that he will bring to us and our loved ones. It’s time to spend time together as a family which is the greatest blessing to ever have.

Selena Pimentel '23

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Luke 1:26-38

God’s will in the things that happen to us is not always smooth. It is usually rough and difficult to understand, but I, for one, know that all things are possible: that is faith. In a difficult time, we must remember that God is fully in charge of our world; he is the definition of a planner. Everything happens according to his plan - whether perceived bad or good - and we can always have hope that things will work out in the end. I hope that everything we plan for our lives will work out in the end. In our lives, like Mary’s life, where we may experience an invitation to embrace the challenges of our lives rather than discard them, I pray for the strength to embrace them - especially the challenges that question our sanity and motives. The challenges that tell you that this can’t be his perfect will, the challenges that make you question whether or not this will satisfy your heart. The end goal is to recognize his goodness and his will for our lives. What we know is that a distinguished presence stood before Mary: the angel Gabriel. His presence alone communicated faithfulness, holiness, and responsibility. And Mary’s response was yes, yes to God’s will for her, for the world. Her worries surfaced briefly, accompanied by doubts and insecurity. She flinched for a moment, questioning how this would happen. She pondered, "Does he know what he’s asking of me?" She was a young, simple, engaged girl, about to take one of the most important steps of her life.

Nevertheless, she said yes. Yes to disruptions, yes to the burden, yes to the confusion that will come and yes to the thoughts she will ponder with no invitation. Her worries are legitimate and noted. Still, Mary’s answer ends with submission, submission to the end goal, the birth of God’s son. She obliges because she was chosen. Let it also be unto us according to His Word.

Sagine Relyea
Assistant Director of Online & Post-Traditional Programs

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

On December 19th, we are in the last days of our preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. The readings today are significantly appropriate for this time of the liturgical year. Though they occurred in many different centuries, we can see the relationship. In the first reading, we learn about a man named Zorah from a town in Judah during the period of Israel known as the Judges around ten centuries before the birth of Jesus. He and his wife had not had a child, but she was approached by an angel who said that she would give birth to a son though she was late in life. Their son was named Samson, who is known for his superhero strength and became a famous Judge, who ruled the Jews for 20 years. She was told that he would deliver the children of Israel from the power of the Philistines. In the second reading, an angel appeared to Zechariah, who was a priest during the days of Herod in the first century after the birth of Jesus. He was the husband of Elizabeth and they were both late in life and had not had a child. The angel advised him that Elizabeth would give birth to a son and they would name him John. He is known to all as John the Baptist. We know that angels appeared to Mary and Joseph, who had not had a child, and told them that they would have a son and they would name him Jesus. In the appearances in the first two readings, the expectant parents were told to prepare for Samson and John, who would do great things for God. As we are preparing for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, we should be taking this time in Advent to prepare for his coming.

Bob Smith '72

President of the St. Francis College Alumni Association

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Today is the anniversary of the passing of SFC Presidents Frank Macchiarola and Brendan Dugan. These leaders each placed a premium on the value of relationships. Frank and Brendan each had different personalities, but the common factor between them was the seemingly effortless manner in which they could make people around them feel comfortable. This serves as a reminder to us that we should take time to reflect on the truly important things in our lives such as a meaningful relationship.

The readings of today serve as a reminder of how much work is required in order to strengthen your faith. Joseph faced the formidable task of believing in the seemingly impossible, yet he was able to do so. Although the day-to-day life challenges that we face will probably pale in comparison, many of us do not have the desire to accept that things will eventually work out if we do our part. When confronted with a difficult situation or decision to make, it is common to focus and obsess on the bleakest possible outcome. This fear-based thinking is unhealthy and can be paralyzing and destructive.

On the contrary, when we focus on just putting in the effort and not worrying about the results, we are more at peace. Overcoming the built-in mechanism that forces many of us to obsess about a future outcome can be a daunting challenge. The need to achieve immediate results and instant gratification can cloud our judgment and exacerbate a difficult situation. Practicing the routine of focusing on the work to be completed and letting go of the results in our daily tasks can go a long way in strengthening our faith when we are facing important challenges.

Dr. Carmine Nogara
Chairman, Department of Accounting and Business Law

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

In today’s first reading, Jacob delivers a rousing speech to his twelve sons. He implores them to accept and support the leadership of Judah, Jacob’s fourth son.

Why does Jacob feel that all of his sons, three of whom preceded Judah in birth, should put aside their own ambitions to help Judah defeat their enemies?

“The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people's homage."

Jacob understands that God has given Judah power, as only God can. God’s power must be nurtured, cultivated, and protected by Judah’s family. He will only remain in power if his family continues to exalt him.

Jacob also appreciates that a family divided can never prosper. The Gospel of Mark tells us, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). As human beings, we are God’s house. We, his children, will never see eye to eye one hundred percent of the time. However, we must always remain united in our humanity and God’s instruction that we love one another.

It is no accident that the word “love” appears 310 times in the Bible (KJV) – familial love, friendly love, romantic love, and divine love. 1 Corinthians 4:20 states: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” Jacob reminds his sons – and us all – that to draw upon God’s love and our love for God’s house is undeniably powerful.

Angel Francis

Director of Major Philanthropy

Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

In the midst of the holiday season, it is a good reminder to continue to be kind to others. For me, I am reminded of this in a Surat* Al-Ma’idah: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (5:8) With the world that we live in, I choose to follow the words of God. To continue serving and commit to doing good deeds, not for the satisfaction but for enacting the ability that God has given me in order to give back.  

In my faith, the first line of the Quran shows great importance for me. “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent and, the Merciful.” This is recited in nearly every chapter. We give recognition to our Creator, not only through our books and prayers but through our everyday living. For me, I catch myself reciting the first line of Al-Fatiah in every moment of my life; when I wake up, pray, when I leave my house, when I walk in the street, when I encounter my friends, when I eat, drink, before an exam, after an exam and just more in general. It is just a reminder to value the things that are given in this life. I continue to remind myself each day of God’s work and only pray that I will be able to do what is just not only for God but for humankind.

Maxine Lahoumh '20

---

*A Surat or Surah is a chapter in the Quran, the Islamic sacred book believed by Muslims to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel and written in Arabic.

Third Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings

Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. "Rejoice the Lord is near." Pope Francis reminds us: "Hope is the essence of the Christian message. Prophets of hope have eyes turned toward the future." Have no anxiety. Prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist identifies himself as a voice crying in the desert but pointing to Christ as the One who will bring light to the darkness of our minds. Each of us have experienced these moments of darkness in our lives. We may feel a sense of incompleteness, something important is missing. Take Courage. Don't settle for blurred vision. Don't settle for disappointment. Our humanity and fragility are rooted in the person God created. What God has promised He will bring to pass. Today is a new day to receive God's favor. God has something amazing to do for you.

We are called to be like John the Baptist, called to be Prophets in our own space. How do you echo, "Prepare the way of the Lord" in your own life? The life of John the Baptist was not easy. He never gives up, never passively accepts fate, but with every ounce of will and hope he continues to face the challengers of his life. In the Gospel of today, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles he has worked. These miraculous deeds of Jesus are signs to John the Baptist that the reign of God is present.

Today we rejoice as we see glimpses of God's work among us. How do we embrace God's love and reflect it back into our world?

Brother Gabriel O'Brien, OSF
Superior General
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Readings

“He said in reply, Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him.” - Matthew 17:11-12

In today’s readings  there is a theme that permeates throughout the scripture: preparedness. In the first reading, Elijah is presented to us as this awe-inspiring being whose words and actions inspire transformation of families and society. In the Gospel, Jesus states that this being came and no one recognized him, no one saw him; a lost opportunity. As I reflect on this, I think about life-transforming opportunities that may come our way and how our busy lives may prevent us from being aware of such occasions. As the great microbiologist Louis Pasteur states: “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the mind which is prepared.” Our minds need to be prepared for the chance encounter, the chance opportunity that can change everything. Preparation starts with reflection and a self-awareness of who you are, what you value, and where you want to go. Know that the course may change and be at peace with that. Use your mistakes as lessons and your successes as opportunities to advance. In this season of Advent, do not leave anything up to chance, prepare for wonders coming ahead, both the seen and unseen.

Dr. Victoria Ruiz

Assistant Professor of Biology

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Readings

During this season we are to watch our actions and our thoughts in preparation for the Birth of Jesus Christ. We follow the teachings of the Lord in order to prepare ourselves and allow the light to enter us. During this time we amplify the good we do for others and turn away from the evil and temptations in our surroundings. We separate ourselves from people who we know do only harm rather than good for us. We should give gratitude for what we have and not judge others based on what they have. When walking our own path to goodness, the Lord sees everything that one does and one does not have to show it off to others to receive validation. It is mentioned that the Lord is “like a tree planted near running water” and would “yield fruit in due season.” I got the notion that through all the good deeds, especially during this Advent season, the Lord would bring forth the blessings at the right time. We must also look into ourselves and examine what is it about us that we find would hinder the light from being able to enter us fully. Yes, we are excited for the coming of our Saviour, but we have to realize that there are still different things that prevent us from allowing Jesus Christ into our lives. Things such as distractions and other barriers that are preventing the light and goodness to seep through. The wickedness is easily banished and we can protect ourselves from all of this by just following the way of the Lord. Knowing who you are and what you represent is important during this season because we want to be in our purest form so that we might allow light and goodness into our lives. We shouldn’t stay stagnant and do nothing about our wrongdoings. We must be actively doing good not just during the Advent season but throughout our daily lives.

Janeen Rico '23

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today's Readings

In the Gospel Acclamation, we read: "Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God." These words remind us of God’s promise that He will establish justice, kindness and compassion through Christ. They also remind us of our responsibility to seek peace and strive to create a world where peace, justice and happiness reign forever. We have a role in the story of redemption. This is very profound and it reminds me of the teachings of St. Francis and his love for the poor and those afflicted. We are called to participate in what God is bringing about each day through what we say and do. As members of the St. Francis College community, we are constantly reminded of our calling to serve and to heal the hearts of those hurting - even if its with a smile or a kind word. Being a part of a college community gives us a unique opportunity to create an environment where peace, justice, love and hope are constantly promoted and lived out. Walking through the main entrance every morning can remind us that we have a higher calling to bring light into the lives of those in darkness, to lead and serve with compassion, to guide, to teach and to inspire without judgement.

Anilsa R. Nuñez

 Director of Student Engagement & Residence Life

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Readings

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." – Psalm 103:2

I like to think I have a pretty good memory. I still know many of the birthdays of my classmates from elementary school, I remember my Student ID number from college, and I know all fifty states in alphabetical order – I can recite them in under twenty seconds, too. I can remember these trivial bits of information, yet I often forget all of the benefits that the Lord has given to me. When I think of these benefits, I certainly think of the blessings God has given to me in the past and is supplying to me in the present, but, even more so, I am thinking about God's "very great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) for the future.

Life is truly difficult. However, God's promises keep me going in the face of confusion, heartbreak, sorrow - every obstacle. When I remember all His benefits, and trust in His promises, I can keep going. God is my light when I can hardly see enough ground in front of me to take another step. God is my Shepherd when I wander off. God is my mighty fortress when I am feeling the pressure of the world's demands. When I put my faith in these specific promises, I gain more and more hope. Throughout the Psalms, David so often finds himself down and out with no lifelines left. His enemies surround him, they have traps set for him, and he cannot see a way out. Each time he is in these situations, there is one option left - to trust that God will save him. God saves David time and time again, and this gives David great confidence. We, too, can have this same confidence. Even when we see no way out or no way forward, we always have our God making a way and leading the way. We walk by faith and not by sight.

We call God the Author of Salvation, yet, even when our lives seem to make no sense, it is not because God has writer’s block. In this Advent season, we anticipate the greatest promise, and we reflect upon the series of circumstances that led up to Jesus' birth. A long journey to Bethlehem for the census? The appearances of angels? A baby out of wedlock? No room in the inn? Mary and Joseph were undoubtedly desperately clinging to God's promises. We are called to do the same. In our own Franciscan tradition, we have the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare illustrating the same theme. Their lives of poverty and radical trust in God were built upon God's promises. We are called to build our lives on these same promises. I invite you to join me in taking some time to consider all of God's promises so that, just like David, Mary, Joseph, Francis, and Clare, we can be confident in the steadfast character of God.

Timothy Nagy

Assistant Director of Mission, Ministry & Interfaith Dialogue

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Sweet relief after hard times knowing that better times are ahead.  Recognizing what is transient and what is transcendent.  These themes spoke to me from Isaiah 40.  The passage begins with a mandate to comfort a community that has struggled under hardship and oppression; “Comfort, give comfort to my people.”  Jerusalem’s people have been through judgement, hard times, enslavement, and persecution but now it's time for comfort.  Comfort brings a feeling of safety and gives room to lift hearts in anticipation, prepare the way for the divine and it is time to speak.  But what can one speak about after such hard times?  How does one find a voice again, after being voiceless?  I read, “A voice says, "Cry out!"/I answer, "What shall I cry out?"  The next lines reflect on the transience of living things, "All flesh is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts...”  Speak? How can I? Things are terrible and have been terrible.  What’s the point?  We are all going to die.  We could be destroyed instantly at the merest touch of God’s breath.  How can one speak out amidst so much uncertainty and after so much struggle?   The answer comes in the next lines. Our ideas, and communities and beliefs stand longer than our bodies do.  “So then, the people is the grass. Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever."  How can we each work towards finding and using our voice towards the transcendent – those things that outlast our physical wants and short-term emotional needs?  How can we recognize “blade of grass” things in our lives (deadlines, grades, exams, missing the bus) for what they are?  How can we prioritize the transcendent?  In experiencing “comfort”, the history and legacy of struggle and oppression do not disappear.  And yet, one's voice can return.  Isaiah 40 ends with the questioner knowing exactly what to cry out, at the top of one’s voice – to be a herald of good news and to joyously announce and anticipate divine strength and comfort - “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock/in his arms he gathers the lambs/Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.”

Alison Dell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Readings

Luke 1:26-38

The Gospel reading for today is misleading. Hearing of the Archangel Gabriel’s encounter with Mary and the news that she will give birth to the Son of God diverts our attention away to the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. But we don’t really celebrate the birth of Jesus on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Today we celebrate a truth about Mary herself: that she, from the moment of her conception in her own mother’s womb, was surrounded by a powerful force, God’s grace, which prepared her to be open, eventually, to utter that word fiat -- "Yes! Let it be done as you say" -- in brave response to the angel's visit and announcement to her. Without the proper preparation, Mary's response to Gabriel may have been different. In today's feast, we celebrate the fact of that preparation and that she is made ready for a mysterious purpose.

I recall a personal memory. As my eighteenth birthday approached, my mother got very excited and shared many (many, too many) stories about the days immediately before and including my birth. I was a surly teenager and didn't appreciate this sharing of my baby memories. I found the whole thing embarrassing. As a way to deflect, I said to her that rather than hearing so many stories about the day I was born I wanted to hear about the day I was conceived. My mother's face reddened, she got upset and scolded me. She said, “That’s none of your business!” My father, on the other hand, perked up, looked proud, and promised that maybe someday he'd tell me the story himself.

The idea that there is an important preparation made for Mary's call as Mother of God is an old one in our tradition. From the first centuries of the Church, people believed there was something special about her from the beginning of her life. Even though it wasn't until the nineteenth-century that the Church made this an explicit dogma, in the Middle Ages the Franciscan theologian and philosopher Duns Scotus taught that the heavy responsibility Mary would shoulder must have meant that she received some sort of extraordinary gift of strength from the first moment of her existence.

Reflecting on the mystery of the first moments of my own existence, as unnerving as it was for me to hear, my mother was right. In a sense, my conception really wasn’t any of my business. And that’s not because it had no bearing on my life (as it clearly does!) but because it was something done before I had the ability to choose. It was the coming together of two other people’s choices. Yet it set the framework for the whole rest of my life for what I would eventually be able to choose for myself.

My conception and birth put me into a particular family, into the world in a specific place and at a definite time. My conception endowed me with a limited set of physical and emotional characteristics which are the foundation of what I continue to grow into and become. These necessary limitations created the space for all the choices I make, all the freedom that I live within. Knowing this now helps me make sense of the feeling of awe and confusion that used to overcome me when looking at family photo albums. I have one older brother. His life began eight years before mine and it takes effort for me to make sense of photos of my parents and my brother together years before I was born and to see in them the same family I know -- the family before I was even conceived. I entered into that family at a particular point in time, my time to be there. But the family existed before I appeared within it. There is something mysterious and confusing about that. But the mystery touched in that is also the beginning of my own life story.

About eight years later, on the eve of my ordination as a priest, my father finally did tell me the story of the day I was conceived. I was grateful to hear it, not least because it was a lovely and unexpected kind of story. I learned that I was a surprise arrival into my family but the story proved, if I ever needed it proved, that though a surprise, I was completely desired and wanted. I was a happy surprise.

Mary's conception which is surrounded by the most pure and powerful of God's love sets the stage for her, and for us as the human family. The beginning for her creates a new beginning for us and continues to keep our hearts open and waiting for the coming of the Savior whom we will welcome at Christmas. May her prayers and example keep us expectant for what is to emerge graciously from that mystery for ourselves, too.

 Joel Warden, Ph.D.
St. Francis College
Catholic Scholar in Residence

Second Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings

Reflection: The readings for today give us a powerful message in a time when things seem uncertain and confusing in our world. We are reminded that there must be a spirit of wisdom and understanding in order for there to be true peace, regardless of differences in the world. This peace is what allows us to be able “to think in harmony with one another” and “with one voice” glorify God so that we may prepare the way of the Lord by creating an environment where everyone is welcomed and embraced. How can I better welcome the other and, in doing so, welcome the peace that Christ brings?

Prayer: God of love and peace, give us wisdom and understanding to bring about peace in our world. Help me to model the peace that the Incarnation brings so that I may reach out with understanding and a welcome embrace to everyone in the world, especially the excluded and forgotten.

Brother Joseph Bach, OSF
Director of Vocations
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn

Saturday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

IS 30:19-21, 23-26

Resilience through faith is what spoke to me in this passage. Everyone experiences challenges, trauma, unexpected loss in life. There can be moments when we feel defeated, down, and hopeless. This passage is a message reminding us that when we speak to God, we are heard and answers are sent. God provided us with all that we need to survive, “the bread you need and the water for your thirst." God provides the tools and resources needed to be successful: “He will give rain for the seed that you sow in the ground, and the wheat that the soil produces will be rich and abundant.” Our wants and desires do not always come in the timing we see fit. However, if we use those tools and resources provided by God, one day we will see the fruits of our efforts and the answers to our prayers: “On that day your flock will be given pasture and the lamb will graze in spacious meadows; the oxen and the asses that till the ground will eat silage tossed to them with shovel and pitchfork.” We must tackle life’s challenges and find resilience through faith, believing that dark days will become bright, and bright days even brighter. “The light of the moon will be like that of the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times greater like the light of seven days,” is the message delivered in the passage. God knows of the resilience that lives inside each of us, and sees us through the journey of life. “The Lord binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows.”

Candice Abellard, LMSW

Mental Health Counselor

Friday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Isaiah 29:17-24

As winter sets in and days get shorter, we are struck by the “gloom and darkness” referenced in this reading. Everywhere we look, we are hit on a daily basis by a world beset with crisis, animosity, outrageous injustice, and suffering. Even in our personal lives, it is hard to keep our lives in sync with family and friends, as things can feel like they are unraveling. It takes resilience and fortitude to make it through another week.

But this passage gives us hope in “finding joy in the Lord.” By preparing for Advent and in developing our relationship with God, we can become enlivened and strengthened. Through being alert to Jesus’ message, we can face a future of hope, sure that God’s coming will eliminate the darkness we feel. Through prayer, good works, and “keeping God’s name holy,” we can slow down and breathe and be comforted this Advent season.

Patricia Moffatt-Lesser '77

Vice President of the St. Francis College Alumni Association

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Greetings!

Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” During this time of year we especially see countless examples of people expressing gratitude in many different ways. It is heartwarming to see and participate in all the wonderfulness that Thanksgiving brings us. We see members of our community volunteering, collecting items to donate to those in need and giving of themselves to be a blessing to others. This Advent season also gives us an opportunity to slow down a bit and reflect on all the blessings we have received and to express our gratitude to God for those who have not only enriched our lives but that of others.  We especially keep in our thoughts and prayers all those who have not been as fortunate, those who may not have the same experience as us, those who may be going through some difficult and challenging times, and those who can benefit from our assistance, support or just a smile. Let us be mindful that being a blessing to others and giving back, even if in a small way, can bring as much joy and blessing to our own lives.

Today's Psalm strongly emphasizes gratitude. We give thanks for our family and friends, for the kindness of strangers and for the loving community in which we live and work in.  We give thanks for our students, faculty and administrators for their giving heart and for living the values of Saint Francis of Assisi within our college community and beyond. I ask that we include those in need in our prayers and thoughts, and perhaps we can find small ways to make their day better, even if it’s with a smile or a conversation. Lastly, I challenge us, as a Franciscan community, to live our lives in a way that we may be a blessing to others.

I wish everyone a wonderful and joyous Advent! 

Dr. Jose Rodriguez

Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Matthew 15:29-37

Today’s gospel tells us about how Jesus was deeply moved by his devoted crowd, who walked with him for three days without eating. Jesus wants to feed his followers, however, there is only a small amount of fish and bread. Despite the limited quantities, Jesus still shares the baskets of fish and bread with the crowd and sure enough, there is enough for all and the original amount left over.

This story is befitting as we are entering the “season of giving”. While many partake in the giving spirit, we can easily become distracted by obligations and the quest to find the perfect gift to give.

In reflecting upon the reading, we see how there was no hesitation from Jesus to share the food with the massive crowd. As we approach the Christmas holiday, we should try to embrace a similar sentiment. When giving to close friends and loved ones, we should also keep those in mind who are in need - like the crowd that followed Jesus was. In this reading we can see that by giving what you have, no matter the quantity, it can still have a large impact on others. This sentiment is also present in the Prayer of St. Francis: “for it is in giving that we receive." By keeping the gospel’s message close to us, as well as the Prayer of St. Francis, we can truly embrace this season of giving.

Maeve Conlon '21

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Luke 10:21-24

In today’s gospel, Jesus claims a special relationship between the Son and the Father: “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son” (Luke 10:22). Into this relationship, other Christians would include the Holy Spirit, thus creating a trinitarian description of God. Later Christian theology would assert that God is in a relationship with itself, with the members of the trinity knowing and loving one another. When I was on the Assisi pilgrimage this October, I learned that the Franciscan tradition refers to all aspects of the relations between the members of the trinity as the “good.” Christian theology maintains that humanity is able to participate in this goodness of God. Through the incarnation of the Son, humanity is incorporated into the Son, and thus brought into participation in God’s relationship with itself, that is, the good. While this may sound like a lot of heady theology, and perhaps therefore irrelevant, it is actually essential for one of the central values of St. Francis College: Religious Pluralism. When humans do the good they participate in God, and we at SFC place a high value on every religious tradition represented at the college, and also those intellectual traditions not identified as religious, because each of them call their members to do the good and thus to find grace and salvation in the knowledge of God.

The below photo of St. Francis is located at a hermitage on the mountains north of Assisi, Italy. It serves as a visual proclamation of the Franciscan commitment to the goodness inherit in every religious tradition. Amen.

Dr. John Edwards

Associate Professor and Chair

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Monday of the First Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Matthew 8:5-11

In today’s gospel, you can feel the Centurion’s remarkable faith.  He delivers a message to Jesus about a suffering servant, but makes no requests or demands for help.  However, on his own will, the Lord is willing to help. The Centurion understands that although he is a leader and soldiers follow him, he is not worthy until the Lord has entered under his roof. The Kingdom is open to all, without any prejudice of race, status or culture.  The Centurion realizes that he can control men through his orders but he does not take advantage of this for his own glory, but instead uses his faith in Christ to help others, including his servant.  The Centurion is open to whatever the Lord chooses to do in this situation. He does not beg or plead, he simply shares the situation with the Lord and lets Him do the rest. Jesus is amazed by the Centurion’s faith and says that salvation is available to all of good will. The Centurion is selfless and uses his position to serve others and bring them closer to the Lord by having faith in Him. Today’s gospel is an example of how the Lord knows and accepts all who walk by faith. It takes a person of deep faith to talk to the Lord without any expectation in return and just have trust that God will work things out according to His plan. Sometimes, as the Centurion demonstrates here, you have to talk to the Lord, leave it in His hands, believe in Him and have faith.

Today’s gospel specifically resonates with me at SFC because I truly believe the leaders of our college family lead without prejudice, accept everyone from all cultures, and are willing to make the sacrifices needed to assist students, faculty and staff in times of need and distress.  At times they do not have all the answers, but they rely on their faith in the Lord to get through difficult and uncertain times.

Linda Cimino
Head Women's Basketball Coach

First Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

Stay awake!

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh tells us, “Each thought, each action in the sunlight of awareness becomes sacred. In this light, no boundary exists between the sacred and the profane,” and this is good to remember here at the beginning of Advent among the many voices we hear in today’s readings. Advent is about liminality and promise; something approaches us. Only by staying awake, we may discover a new place, we may put on a new awareness.

Something sacred is about to begin and we are called to be part of it.

Don’t miss this!

Stay awake!

Isaiah urges: let us walk in the light of the Lord! David sings: I rejoiced because they said to me, we will go up to the house of the Lord.

On this first day of Advent, the readings present a threshold to a new space, an entry to a new reality. Things change. Isaiah, in the first reading, tells us the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the new highest mountain and he calls to all, “O house of Jacob, come, let is walk in the light of the Lord.” King David’s Psalm 122 and the antiphon take delight and rejoice in the journey to the Lord’s house.

Stay awake!

In his Epistle, Paul writes to the Romans: “throw off works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Sloughing off the darkness of the night and advancing into day, Paul urges that now it is the hour to awake from sleep. Our life must take on actions appropriate to light, we must step out into the light. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, stay awake! says Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. The Son of Man will come.

Stay awake!

Action in the sunlight of awareness becomes sacred.

Edward Wesley, OSF, PhD