December 1 First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2;Luke 21:25, 28, 34-36

Today’s readings are “time sensitive,” beginning with our first reading, “The days are coming..., in those days..., in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot.” While in the Gospel, Jesus tells us to “Be vigilant at all times,” setting the stage for the new season of the Church year which we enter today. It is a time of being alert, vigilant, stepping out of our ordinary lives where we are hurried and distracted about many things, especially our consumer consumption that belies the Advent season. During Advent, we are at a crossroads where we are challenged to abandon our usual ways, changing to start a new path carved out by Emmanuel. It is a path that leans toward doing “what is right and just in the land.”

Today also begins Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, with its focus on forgiveness and hope to which all Christians are called to give witness in our world in crisis with wars, climate change and hatred. Allow the words to the Thessalonians to touch our hearts, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love...strengthening your hearts” in Advent Hope.

Sister Barbara Smith, ASC

Monday, December 2

Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11

A pagan officer compassionately pleads with Jesus on behalf of his dreadfully suffering slave and trusts that Jesus will heal the slave from a distance – no personal visit necessary! Jesus does heal the slave. But Jesus also gifts the centurion, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Wow! A pagan with greater faith than Jesus’ people. My invitation is to reflect on how I live faith and ardently pray for an increase of faith - to allow the Spirit to “instruct us in his ways” that “we may walk in his paths" by letting go of swords and spears of prejudice, racism, hatred, consumerism, etc., to “walk in the light of the LORD!”

Anonymous

Tuesday, December 3

Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24

Each day, I try to pause for a moment and ask myself, "What does the Lord want from me today?" In today's readings, I find opportunities to hear a message on growing my faith. God's presence in our lives can be like branches, each extending out to different places. The branches give us the ability to build trust and faith that God will provide and guide us through our numerous journeys--be it professional, personal, spiritual, or something else. And, while we might not always understand the hows and the whys of our daily details, we can be certain that God is there to protect us if we allow and embrace his presence in our lives.

Jennifer Green-Miracle ’88, Board of Trustees

Wednesday, December 4

Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37

In this gospel the people brought their infirmities to Jesus and laid them at his feet. He cured them, then fed them and sent them away satisfied. As I prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord, I will lay my spiritual infirmities at his feet by placing my faith and trust in him, knowing he will not send me away empty-handed but rather satisfied, and I can rejoice with Isaiah as he says, “This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Zachary Kelsey, Seminarian

Thursday, December 5

Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

The readings for this day are powerful and meaningful. In many ways, they differ, but they have one thing in common. They both focus on the power and glory of God. Isaiah reminds me about how much God can do for us and how much power God holds. Matthew holds a lot of meaning to me. As someone who values volunteering and living with my faith, Matthew is a good reminder that this is what God asks of us. I think of the times when I didn’t act in my faith but only talked about my faith. Everything we do should point to God. After all God is deserving.

Grace Hertel, Student

Friday, December 6

Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31

In Isaiah and Matthew we see a powerful teaching on God’s kingdom and how it is a place of restoration, healing, and justice, brought about through faith in His power and promises. Isaiah looks at the vision of a promised renewed world. In Matthew we see the promise of this renewed world becomes a reality through Jesus's ministry. I believe both passages encourage us to trust God’s ability to transform our lives and the world around us. We are to respond with faith, hope, and gratitude, and be part of the transformation of the world around us.

Jeannie Ross, Director of the Student Success Center

Saturday, December 7

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

These two passages speak to the power of healing. The first one reminds us that our gracious God will hear our cries for help and heal our afflictions if we listen for him in times of trouble. God will call out to us, “This is the way; walk in it.” In Matthew we are reminded that we too are called to heal others and to be instruments of God’s healing power. Jesus says, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Let us always remember to turn to Jesus in our time of need and reach out to others with compassion in theirs.

Lynne Schreiner, Parent of Newman students

December 8 Second Sunday of Advent

Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6

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 5 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.

Sister Kris Schrader, ASC

Monday, December 9 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

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.

Audrey Hane, Assistant Dean for Arts and Sciences

Tuesday, December 10

Isaiah 40:1-1; Matthew 18:12-14

As we have seen in these two reading 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!

Alex Klein, Seminarian

Wednesday, December 10

Isaiah 40:25-32; Matthew 11:28-30

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.

Michael Probus, Vice President of Enrollment Management

Thursday, December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:26-38

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.

Angelica Rodriguez, Student

Friday, December 13 

Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19

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.

Dakota Heard ‘20

Saturday, December 14

Isaiah 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

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.

Grant Figueroa Grounds Keeping

December 15

Third Sunday of Advent - Zephaniah 3:14-181;

Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

Zephaniah encourages Jerusalem and Israel (and us!) to exult and be glad, truly the theme of this Gaudete “rejoice” Sunday. Advent is a time for joy not only because we anticipate the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, but also because we know Jesus is already in our midst. Our joy does not come from the absence of sadness, pain, or trouble, but from an awareness that no matter what we are going through our Lord is with us at all times. 

St. Paul, writing from prison, tells us the same thing: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice.” Paul felt the need to bolster the courage of the Philippians, and to bolster our hope and our courage. Paul reminds the Philippians and us that Jesus is the true source of our joy. We are called to share that joy with others by means of kindness, compassion, serenity, prayers and many other good works. 

St. Luke focuses on John the Baptist. Some people thought John was actually the Messiah, but John says no, the Messiah was so much greater than he. John encouraged the people to share what they have, not to be thieves or extortioners, to not falsely accuse anyone, etc. We prove our faith in much the same way: through works of charity, honesty and social justice. The last sentence of today’s Gospel is, “Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.” John challenges our superficial attempts at change, demanding that we take a deeper look at ourselves. John calls us to abandon our selfishness and instead be filled with the expectation of Jesus’ coming. May we all spend these last Advent days in a spirit of anticipation, joy, love, and hope.

Sister Linda Fischer ASC

Monday, December 16

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27

From the book of Numbers, we learn about the prophesies of Balaam. Although he was not a believer himself (not one of God’s people), Balaam spoke the words of God who told him to bless the people of Israel. Balaam then foretold that “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise from Israel” in a prophesy about the coming birth of Jesus! What a great reminder about the promise of Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, who God sent to offer salvation to all those who believe in Him.

Matthew describes how the religious leaders challenged Jesus to tell them by what authority He was teaching and performing miracles. Jesus wisely deflected the question by asking these leaders who gave John the Baptist the authority to baptize people --- was it from God or from man? When they avoided answering the question by replying that “they didn’t know” where John’s authority came from, Jesus refuses to answer their question. Do we ever question the authority of God, even subconsciously? Do we sometimes think to ourselves, “I’ve got this” and I can handle my problems, instead of turning them over to the Lord? May we always believe in the absolute authority of God and trust in Him in all things!

David Lehman, Director of the Agribusiness Program, Southwest Kansas

Tuesday, December 17

Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17

I find the Genesis passage more prominent in my life currently as my family has grown as of September with the birth of the next generation, which makes me ever conscious of the importance of lineage and leaving blessings to generations to come. How wonderful that Jacob blesses each one of his sons before he dies with the prophecies to share with each generation. Ultimately, Judah's descendants will include Jesus Christ and the saving of humanity with his birth and life on earth as a human. With the world in its current state, this reading grounded me with peace. It fills my soul with the celebration of the significance of humanity that we have been given from our savior! Enjoy every moment we are given on this earth and celebrate the human spirit!

Deanne Zogleman, Director of the Music Department

Wednesday, December 18

Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25

A hopeful expectation. That is what I am reminded of when I reflect upon these readings. We are eagerly awaiting and counting the days until Christmas. The hope that Jeremiah

spoke of, “the days are coming” when our Lord will come to save us from our sins, is

almost here. And Matthew tells us that the day has come. The appointed time when our Lord would appear before his people is here. But that was 2024 years ago. What now? We say with Jeremiah, “the days are coming,” when Christ will come again at the second coming. Let us pray and wait with hopeful expectation.

Caleb Garner, Seminarian

Thursday, December 19

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25

My aunt stitched a sampler for me with something called The Adoption Prayer.

Not flesh of my flesh,

Not bone of my bones,

But still, miraculously, my own.

Never forget for a single minute

You didn’t grow under my heart,

But in it.

I adopted two children as a single parent. Both of my children are grown now, with children of their own. At this time of year, I’m always cognizant of the miracle of adoption that creates not only earthly families, but divine ones. God loves us so much that he opens his heart and allows us to dwell there. I will never get over being amazed by the love of a God who does that! Think about it. God not only gives us life, but God also incorporates us into his own life. We dwell in his heart. That is the incredible gift of Christmas. Let’s celebrate it!

Terrie Lewis, SHA 65, ‘71

Friday, December 20

Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38

Today’s annunciation gospel is one of my favorites. I close my eyes and put myself in the scene, watching, as Mary is approached by the angel Gabriel.

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” I notice Mary’s body language. She remains calm but also appears a bit perplexed with such odd words. I see the tiniest look of fear or at the least, confusion, on her face. Gabriel sees it, too, and reassures her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God…” The look on her face says, “He knows my name. He must be a messenger from God, whom I love and serve. I can trust him.”

Then he breaks the news to her. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus...and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his Kingdom will have no end.” What? The look on Mary’s face is total bewilderment. Her expression seems to say, “How is this going to happen? I’m to bear a son and he’ll rule over a Kingdom forever? Wait. Really?” 

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Not only that but… “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age…” Mary tilts her head. Then… her Magnificat. Her fear or anxiety is gone. It’s like she figured out a hard math problem she’s struggled with or finally mastered a piece of music. She’s connected the dots. She understands what the angel has told her, and she totally accepts the reality of what’s just happened and the news she’s received. 

Poof, the angel is gone! I see Mary being totally still and quiet. She ponders what’s just happened. She doesn’t want to leave the scene, nor do I. May I linger with you, Mary? May we ponder together this incredible news?

Linda and Vince ’74 Antonelli

Saturday, December 21 Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1:39-45

Zephaniah writes, “God will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, God will rejoice over you with singing.” These words speak to me deeply, reminding me that God’s love is constant. God has always been with me in my toughest moments. I begin to realize how much God has done for me — how God has been my strength and comfort. Reflecting on both passages, I recognize the importance of God’s presence, not only in moments of ease, but especially in times of difficulty. God’s love and peace are always with us, often in ways we don’t expect, but always at the right time.

Daniela Correa, Executive Assistant for Vice President of Advancement, Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Initiatives

Sunday, December 22

Michah 5:1-4m Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

In the fourth Sunday Advent gospel of Luke, we encounter Mary and Elizabeth, two very holy, pregnant women, doing the will of God. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, decides to visit Elizabeth. Why she does this is not certain. Elizabeth herself questions why the mother of her Lord should come to her. Elizabeth recognizes that Mary is with child and blessed is the fruit of her womb.

Elizabeth is a wisdom figure not because of her age, but her perception of life. She felt the infant in her womb leaped for joy at the sound of Mary’s greeting. Elizabeth recognizes the presence of God in the visit of her cousin.

Mary went with haste to visit her cousin. The fact that Mary went in haste indicates that she felt the visit was necessary for both physical and spiritual support. Mary could have turned to her mother, Ann, for support. She was aware of what their two sons, Jesus and John the Baptist, were going to do for the good of the world.

With three days remaining until Christmas, we may be feeling the stress of the season. Unfortunately, we fail to recognize God’s presence when we are on overload. During this time, we need to call upon Mary and Elizabeth that we can lovingly respond to God’s nearness in our lives and enter into the joy of the season. Merry Christmas.

Sister Mildred Gross ASC

Monday, December 23 Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Luke 1:57-66

Today’s reading stresses the importance of preparation before the coming of Christ. Malichi states, “Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”

In today's Gospel, Luke tells the story of John the Baptist, his birth and presentation in the temple. Elizabeth and Zechariah rejoice over his birth and the community contemplates what this child will become for they recognize that the hand of the Lord is with him. John, throughout the Bible, is recognized an important figure preparing the way for Christ.

Advent calls us to consider how we have prepared our hearts. Are we open to welcoming Jesus into our lives? Have we made space for Him in the midst of our busy schedules?

Jenifer Stone ’87, ’93, Board of Trustees

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16;Luke 1: 67-79

Who can limit God to a house or contain God to a geographic site? Cleary God reminds King David and us that all of the cosmos and creation is his dwelling. But a human body also becomes God’s dwelling among us in Jesus!

We who sit in darkness and the shadow of death are moved to join Zechariah in his magnificent hymn of praise and adoration because “… the tender mercy of our God” has dawned upon us, giving light to guide our feet into the way of peace. May we be people of peace throughout this Christmas season and the New Year.

Anonymous Alumna

Christmas, Wednesday, December 25

Christianity is a strange religion, and at the heart of its peculiarity is what we celebrate today, the Christmas story. At the heart of the Christian proclamation is that God became one of us in all things but sin. The strangeness of the Christian story goes even beyond that because Christians don’t claim that the coming of Christ was merely an event of the past, but rather that he continues to be with us today! The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is the definitive sign that God is not an abstract idea or a distant entity, but rather that he is the Emmanuel, the God who is with us, the God who entered the mess of human life and salvation history to “ransom captive Israel” as the old Advent hymn goes!

That same Christ who entered our tumultuous reality by being placed in a manger, a place where animals eat, continues to give himself to us as food in the Holy Eucharist, present at every mass. It is the continual presence of Christ, which we celebrate today, that gives all of reality a new direction and horizon. My friends, the true gift of Christmas is not merely the celebration of His birth, but the invitation to recognize His presence in the communion of believers that we call the Church today. Emmanuel is here, now, and always. Merry Christmas!

Father Ed Herzog ’10, ‘11 Newman Chaplain