Sunday, November 30

Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

Advent: What Word Guides Your Path? Advent recalls the first coming of Jesus and anticipates the Second Coming of God's Incarnate Word.

Isaiah tells us to "walk in his paths" by making instruments of peace, not war. Also, we're to be awake, to put on "the armor of light" and to "be prepared," for the Son of Man will come when we don't expect him.

So, spend time each week with the three Sunday Scripture readings and listen for words that resonate in your heart.

See if the same word repeats in the various readings during Advent. Keep a list. Before the New Year, select ONE WORD from the list that speaks to your experience of "walking in his paths." Treasure the word during 2026, listening for it in conversations, readings, and future Scriptures.

Advent calls us to be the love and light of God's Son in the world, especially to those in the darkness of injustices, violence, and oppression.

Stay awake! The "hour you do not expect" comes when you shine God's love and light on the lonely, alienated, and marginalized on campus, in your family, and all around you. May your Advent be filled with love and light.

Sara Dwyer ASC, '73

Monday, December 1

Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11

Isaiah and Matthew tell us stories of worthiness. Isaiah reminds us those who keep God are also kept by God. In true Old Testament fashion, Isaiah also reminds us of God's judgment against those who abandon Him. On the other hand, Matthew tells a story of the humility of one man who recognized his place. That simple recognition amazed Jesus; that this amazed Christ frankly boggles the mind! This is mirrored in the Mass we say "I am not worthy" before communion. We recognize our place and our unworthiness to receive God, and we recognize God's authority to decide otherwise.

Michael Neises, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Tuesday, December 2

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

From our readings, Isaiah promises a world redeemed by God's peace,and Luke reminds us thatthe work of Godis a gift given to those with humble and faithful hearts. Together, they inviteus to gratitude—urgingus to give thanks that God opens our eyes towitnessHis work and constant presence in our own lives. This Advent season,I challenge you to slow down and intentionally notice the ways God is moving in your life, taking time to be grateful forallthatHe has provided.

Jenna Ju, student

Wednesday, December 3

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

Both readings illustrate parallel examples of God's limitless grace, mercy, and love. Regardless of the hopelessness we might feel, God provides and nourishes not only our bodies but our souls. Pain, anguish, and fear are removed and replaced with hope. These readings remind me that when I am feeling defeated, broken, and unsure of the solution; I need only to have faith. God will provide.

Heather Moore, Administrative Coordinator, School of Health Professions

Thursday December 4^th

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

With these readings there is one thing that comes to mind, and that is to build a strong city or house. To do that we need to listen to what Christ has told us and to then do those very things. We are wise when we heed Christ's words and put them close to our hearts. When hard times come we can take what has been said to us and use that to help us push through those hard times. We need to make Christ our sturdy ground as there will always be hard times but, if we have him as our rock, then we will not be swayed as much.

Luke Timmermeyer, Seminarian Student

Friday, December 5

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

In the readings, God promises a better future, and then Jesus becomes the fulfillment of that very promise. I feel both comfort and conviction from these passages. Comfort, because God's heart has always been toward healing, clarity, and restoration. Conviction, because Jesus's question echoes into my own life: Do you believe I am able to do this?Not just belief in general, but to trust Him in the specific places where I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Ultimately, these passages remind me that God is both the author of restoration and the one who brings it to completion. My part is to keep following, keep asking, and keep believing that He is able to do what He has promised.

Brittany Henning, Head Softball Coach

Saturday, December 6

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

Although both readings were written at different times, they both speak of compassion. Isaiah tells us how God will be compassionate by providing the people of Zion bread and water they need. Matthew tells how Jesus taught the twelve disciples how to be compassionate by feeding and healing the lost ones. By reading these passages, we learn how to be compassionate with one another to heal and grow in spirit. A great reminder to all of us is to never forget that we can always help a stranger as small as that gesture may be. With compassion, we become an instrument of God.

Brenda Whitley, Admissions Office Assistant and ASC Associate

Sunday, December 7 – Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

In today’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” as he begins to help the people prepare the way for the Lord. During this season of Advent, we are all called to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The passage from Isaiah and St. Paul’s letter to the Romans help us find ways to ready our hearts for the season.

In Isaiah, there is this beautiful imagery of the wolf being a guest of the lamb, the leopard lying with the kid, and the calf and the young lion roaming together, along with other pairs that we do not typically think of living in harmony with one another. Then again, in St. Paul’s letter we are reminded by Paul to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. This is a call find harmony within ourselves and then harmony with the world around us. As we prepare ourselves during Advent, how are we called to welcome a guest whom we may not typically invite into our homes? What is something you can do to be a source of welcome like God has welcomed you?

Sarah Harbaugh ASC ‘23 alumna

Monday, December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26

In Ephesians, Paul says that God “chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” to be holy and blameless in love. What more is there to know? We are created in the image of God and beloved from the beginning, yet we forget this grace and drift from God, absorbed by overflowing inboxes, to-do lists, campus crises, and the fear that we are always behind.

Mary’s “yes” to Gabriel shows another way: a heart awake, listening, ready to receive the Lord into life, with all its risk and uncertainty. In her “yes” we glimpse our own calling: to trust that nothing will be impossible for God. Advent invites us to receive the love that has already chosen us. Come, Lord Jesus.

Marguerite Regan, Newman University Director of Center for Teaching & Learning

Tuesday, December 9 – Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14

Are we alone when we stray from God? Isaiah reminds us that God is our strength when we are weak, the light in our darkness, and the truth amid our broken World. No matter our faults, God makes way to comfort us as his children, no matter the challenges. God’s power and care can conquer the impossible in our lives when we proclaim our faith in Him and love for Him.

In that same vein, Matthew further reminds us that everyone is precious, and worthy of God’s love and we are never alone (even when we think we are). God desires relationship with us no matter how far we stray and all we must do is turn toward His call and loving embrace with our faith. No matter how far we stray, God is always there. God’s love and grace is never ending and for that may we are each blessed forever.

Daniel Carsey, ’02, Board of Trustee Member

Wednesday, December 10 – Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30

When I read Isaiah’s promise, “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” I feel hope rising in me. Lately, I’ve carried worries heavier than I can manage, but in Matthew Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary,” and those words calm my heart. They remind me I’m not alone. God meets me in my weakness, lifts my spirit, and gives me courage to keep going. God’s strength becomes my strength. As we move forward with renewed faith, let us remember to place our burdens in His hands and trust His loving care each day.

Elginique Dames, Newman University Student

Thursday, December 11 – Isaiah 41:13-20; Matthew 11:11-15

The readings for today reflect well one of the purposes of Advent: to prepare for the end of the world, the second coming of Christ. Isaiah speaks of the power with which God will come and destroy all against Him and help those for Him. Matthew also speaks of the terrifyingly great nature of Christ and His coming. The fact that even the greatest among men is nothing compared to the least in the kingdom of heaven is something that ought to inspire us and lead us, in fear of the Lord, to strive for heaven.

Thomas Schawe, Newman University Seminarian Student

Friday, December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe – Isaiah 48: 17-19; Matthew 11:16-19

God is coming to dwell among us, Zechariah proclaims. Really?! Our transcendent, all-powerful,

all-loving God seeks us—stressed-out, jealous, anxious us? If we need convincing that we’re “good enough” for God, Luke’s annunciation story can help. Gabriel’s words to Mary, “the Lord is with you” and “do not be afraid,” can reassure us when we doubt, fear, or struggle to trust in God.

Today’s Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego, an Indigenous peasant. Through Mary, God broke into our human messiness. Let it be done to us according to his word.

Trish Keller, Mission Animator, Newman University Southwest Kansas Program

Saturday, December 13 - Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17: 10-13

In Sirach and Matthew we see a focus on the prophet Elijah, the first referring to his miraculous life and a return that is prophesized, and the second showing how Jesus identifies John the Baptist as that foretold Elijah. Both readings serve as a call to listen to God and to repent. We must remember; happy are those who will see God and those who die in love, so that we too shall live. The readings highlight the theme of people failing to recognize God’s messengers or the fulfillment of prophecy. Let us be open and to turn to God and his messages, even when they appear in unexpected ways.

Monica Franz, Newman University Archivist

 Sunday, December 14 - Third Sunday of Advent - Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

I recall my high school band days when I was one of eighty musicians producing sounds to delight the ear and move the soul. But often that entailed times of waiting, of silence, while another section played its role in creating the overall effect the composer had envisioned. My section of the band would patiently count out bars of rest, waiting to contribute our part to the whole. Paying attention to what was happening during our silent waiting helped me understand how my part fit into the whole.

Waiting patiently has immense value in all aspects of life as James reminds us in the second reading. If we pay attention to what is happening during our times of “forced waiting” in the checkout line or at the stoplight in our daily commute we may be blessed with glimpses of the kingdom described in the reading from Isaiah and confirmed in Matthew’s gospel: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. We can become aware of how a smile to the harried mother in the checkout lane with her fussy child may be our way of giving her hope to “rejoice in the Lord always … the Lord is near,” as the entrance antiphon instructs us.

Sister Betty Adams ASC ’61, 66 Board of Trustee Member

Monday, December 15 – Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Matthew 21:23-27

In Numbers, Balaam is speaking of how it pleases God for us to dwell with him and in him. Balaam also speaks of the coming of Jesus, a scepter out of Israel. In Matthew Jesus reminds the chief priests and elders that his authority is not subject to them; it comes from God. Together these verses tell of God’s great love and desire to be with us. Balaam prophetically declared the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, with all power and authority to save so that we could dwell with him forever. This is a time that we celebrate that gift in the form of a baby who brought hope to the world.

Kyrstin Gable, Executive Assistant, Institutional Advancement

 Tuesday, December 16 – Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32

Zephaniah warns the southern kingdom to return to God and follow the Law of Moses or face His judgment. His message reminds us to examine our hearts because when we believe, we are open to listen to the Holy Spirit. We often find that our actions don't match our words or God’s plan for us. Matthew illustrates this through the parable of the two sons: one who initially refused but later obeyed, and another who agreed but did nothing. Jesus says that even when people witnessed righteousness, like in John’s ministry, they refused to change. True faith is shown not in speech, but in genuine repentance and obedience.

Luis Piedra, Student

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

The Genesis passage points to the coming Savior, foreshadowing Jesus as the One “whom all nations will honor.” The passage from Matthew serves as a reminder to remain prayerfully ready and willing to share the love of God with all whom we encounter. It also highlights the lineage of Jesus, illustrating how God worked through imperfect and flawed individuals to bring forth the Messiah. This truth demonstrates that God can use anyone to advance His kingdom and accomplish His purposes.

Catherine Madison ‘24 

Thursday, December 18 – Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25

Through Jeremiah, God promises his people both redemption and a king, and through Joseph's acceptance in Matthew, that promise is fulfilled in the coming of the Child Jesus at Christmas. God promises us all redemption through His reign, but just like Joseph, we must spend this Advent season in silence and obedience so that Christ might fulfil this promise and be born not only into the world, but into our hearts as well.

Elias Belton, Seminarian Student

Friday, December 19 – Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Luke 1:5-25

Today’s scriptures center birth announcements within Divine Providence. In Judges and Luke, angelic messages signal God is moving significantly—reversing barrenness and promising a “separated out” child. Reflecting on the passages, I couldn’t help but notice that, while these miracles are divinely instituted, the Holy Spirit moves through human participation. Both mothers demonstrate physical and spiritual devotion to divine instructions, playing a vital role in the future deliverance of their people. Additionally, we shouldn’t miss the distinction between these future “Wildmen” - while Samson delivers through physical strength - John calls hearts back to God, preparing the way for a different type of deliverer. Let us celebrate these announcements as we anticipate the next!

Andrew Giorgetti, Instructional Designer

Saturday, December 20 - Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38

In the passage from Isaiah, we have a wicked king, Ahaz, fearing Jerusalem’s destruction, and convinced that God will not intervene. Despite Ahaz’s failures, God sends Isaiah a hopeful message, for both the immediate situation and the future - the lineage of King David will survive to become the family of Immanuel – which means “God is with us.” 700-years later, in Luke, an unassuming teenager, Mary, is visited by the Angel Gabriel, and told she has God’s favor to be the mother of Jesus – meaning “God saves.” Further, the Davidic reign will be eternal, cementing Isaiah’s prophecy. Mary is confused, startled, but accepts. The significance of this is easily overlooked. 700-years have passed, yet God’s faithfulness is unbreaking. The salvation of the world, God-with-us, in Jesus - all predicted and its fulfillment is why we celebrate this season.

Max Wheeler, IT Hardware and Software Specialist

 Sunday, December 21 – Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Living in Rome, I feel St. Paul’s letter to the Romans really hit home. The early church began miles away, but Paul and Peter and others felt it important to go to Rome to preach the Good News. They died here, but this Good News changed the city into a bastion of faith, built on their sacrifice. Then brave souls went out to bring that faith to the rest of Europe, then to distant continents, battling fatigue, sickness, inclement climate, hostility, persecution and death to bring us that Good News. The report of Jesus’ genealogy tells us he really did live on this earth. Do we need another sign? We sing with gratitude to our ancestors in the faith and strive to pass on the Good News of Great Joy to future generations.

Marcia Kruse ASC

Monday, December 22 – 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56

In Samuel chapter one we hear the story of an answered prayer and a grateful response. Similarly, in the Gospel reading we hear Mary’s prayer of praise and gratitude for the gift of conceiving Jesus. Both Hannah and Mary teach us what it means to be good stewards of the gifts we are given. They each received the gift of a son in gratitude, and they were each willing to give this gift back to the Lord. They remind us that we receive gifts so that we can give them back to God, who is with us this Advent season.

Mason Lubbers, Seminarian Student

Tuesday, December 23 – 1 Samuel:24 – 28, Luke 1:46-56

Both passages highlight a faithful response to God’s blessings. Hannah presents Samuel to the Lord in gratitude, recognizing her child as a gift from God. Mary praises God in the Magnificat, celebrating His mercy, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises. Both Scriptures show women responding with humility, and devotion offering themselves and their children to God’s will. God will always provide; keep your faith in Him. He knows your battles, sees your struggles, and most of all, God hears your prayers.

Jasmine Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Admissions

Wednesday, December 24 – 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Luke 1:67-79

Feeling exhausted from having been at war, King David wants to give thanks to God by building a temple thanking Him for the promise of protection from David’s enemies. In a dream, God tells Nathan to instruct David that he is not to build the temple, but David’s son Solomon will be chosen by God to perpetuate the lineage of God’s chosen people. God is always with us.

God’s promise of sustainability of the covenant people is not only being freed from dominance by others, but also that we can worship and serve God freely and without fear. These two readings express what the Old Testament foretold about God our Savior and the Proclamation of the Fulfillment in the New Testament.

Glenna Borho, Board of Trustee Member

Thursday, December 25 – Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18

The readings tell us that Jesus was with God from the beginning and, appointed as having all power in his hands, He participated in making the universe. God is speaking to us through his Son Jesus who made “purification for sins” and is now able to sit at the right hand of God in Heaven. Those who cleanse their lives, proclaim salvation and have faith will become children of this God.

God sent John the Baptist to testify as a witness of the Light. We believers are witnesses to the Light that needs to be shared in the world. Everyone who receives Jesus and believes in the Light, becomes a child of God, invited to be prepared when “God will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”

Come, let us adore!

Kenyon Spears, Director of Athletics