Lent Reflections

Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Sister Angela Laquet ASC

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

We have been set up for a life that is full of goodness. Lent reminds me that life is not solely what we experience on earth, but rather life is an eternity that commenced at the beginning of time. All of life has been ordained by God. The fall of Adam and Eve happened and Jesus saved all of us. God allows our hardships to lead us closer to Him. A good life isn’t necessarily one full of pleasure. A good life is one that is in communion with God in whom gratitude and trust are abundant.

Isabel Porres, Student

Isaiah 58:1-9; Matthew 9:14-15

Our heavenly Father values unwavering mercy, immeasurable grace, and agape love. Genuine fasting partakes in one of the fruits of the Spirit, selfless kindness. Fasting also directs us to a true relationship with God. When we strive for righteousness, we get a glimpse of God’s guidance, irrefutable healing, and glorious presence.

Jesus compares Himself and the disciples as the bridegroom and wedding guests. A wedding is a time of joy, not mourning. Likewise, Jesus' presence on earth was a time of celebration because He was bringing the Kingdom of God. Jesus says that the bridegroom will be taken away, referring to His future suffering, death, and departure. After Jesus' resurrection, His followers will fast, symbolizing longing for Jesus’ return and dependence on God.

Karen Wilson, Senior Accountant

Isaiah 58:9b-14; Luke 5:27-32

Michael Sean Boston, ’84

Deuteronomy 26:4 - 11;   Romans 10:8 - 13;   Luke 4:1 - 13

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”

Where will you be led on this First Sunday of Lent?

Deuteronomy recalls and proclaims the leading hand of God as the nation journeyed toward the Promised Land. This journey was not easy and lasted 40 years.  During this time, the Hebrews learned to become a nation trusting in God. Jesus is led by the same Spirit into the desert, where he spent 40 days in prayer and fasting.   This time of prayer and fasting strengthens Jesus for the challenges ahead. 

The words of St. Paul do not seem to connect with these two other readings at first. After more reflection, the quote, “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” challenges me to take time to listen to the Spirit’s voice as it echoes in my heart, to find those quiet moments to truly listen to where the Spirit is leading me.

As we begin these 40 days are we willing to take the first step to enter those quiet moments and listen with a heart willing to let the Spirit lead us?

- Sister Frances Pytlik ASC, ‘70

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46

In this “Little Apocalypse,” Jesus preaches about what to expect in the Final Judgment. Matthew states, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.’” This Lenten season we should take extra time to consider: Who are the least among us? From whom do we ignore or withhold our love, but shouldn’t? Consider not only the poor, sick, and needy, but those who you struggle with in your daily life. Care for them as you would Jesus.

- Dylan Sykes, Student

Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15

- Marguerite Regan, Director, Center for Teaching & Learning

Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32

Jonah, whose name means dove, is a fitting prophet, a fitting messenger for the first week of Lent. Our Lord says the sign to be given to a generation who seeks signs is that of Jonah. Jonah proclaimed the sentence, and the people of Nineveh, convicted in their hearts of the crime, repented. So too, it is the Holy Spirit, who descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, that convicts us of our sin (Jn 16:8); for the Spirit whispers to the heart (1 Kgs 19:12) that it might turn to the water flowing from Christ.

A Seminarian for the Diocese of Wichita

Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19

Matthew tells us very clearly that the Lord is aware of all our needs and desires. If humans, as wicked as they are, can provide for their children, how much more will the Lord provide for those He loves unconditionally? God is aware of our necessities and desires to fulfill them. So must we be aware of our neighbor’s needs and know that we must care for each other as God cares for us. Let our reflections and actions help those who are still seeking, and our answers be a guide to the helpless.

Prisca Bahati, Student

Ezechiel 18:21-18; Matthew 5:20-26

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus provides a deeper meaning of the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not kill.” Jesus says “whoever is angry with his brother” will be liable to judgment, and He warns against name-calling. In our daily lives, it is sometimes easy to act quickly with anger or derogatory comments towards others. Jesus encourages us to “be reconciled with your brother (and sister)” and to “settle with your opponent quickly.”

During this Lenten season, in what ways can we act with peace, rather than anger? How can we seek reconciliation with our friends, relatives, fellow students or co-workers?

Matthew Schippers, Board of Trustees Member

Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48

During this time of Lent, the Lord strongly asks us to commit and immerse ourselves to walk with Him. This is a time of cleansing, a time to repent and renew myself. Though I can do this any time, Lent is special because Jesus is with me in my desert. He understands my temptations. God promises that I can start new by living these words, “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” I believe Jesus taught me this lesson when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they do.” This is exactly what God asks of us - to love, forgive, and pray for our enemies after they have caused us so much hurt and damage. A hard thing to do!

I don’t lose anything by allowing myself to be willing to forgive, but I risk losing much, if not everything, by not being willing to forgive. Time and prayer with Jesus in the desert will heal wounds, help me to love my enemies and pray for my persecutors.

Brenda Whitely, Admissions Office Assistant

March 16 Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 22:5 – 12, 17 - 18 Philippians 3:17 – 4:1; Luke 9:28 - 36

Hope-filled Discipleship! The message of today’s readings is one that should fill us with great joy and anticipation of the readiness of God to respond to our needs throughout life. The readings help us to understand the plan God has for us which is beyond our imaging. Pope Francis in opening the Holy Year calls us to journey in faith and hope. He tells us to bring our fear and helplessness in all that we are experiencing to our loving God who never abandons those faithful to him.

The Genesis reading tells us that Abram acknowledged his helplessness in changing his situation. Psalm 64 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, I must wait for the Lord with courage.” Paul tells the Philippians that, if they continue to trust in Jesus and to be faithful to what he taught them, they too could one day look forward to eternal life and their “lowly bodies would be united to his own in glory.” Paul is not telling them that their lives here on earth would always be free of suffering, but he is telling them that Jesus will be faithful to his promise to send the Spirit to guide and strengthen them. The Gospel describes the Transfiguration in which Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join him in prayer on the mountain to strengthen their faith.

God will continue to strengthen our faith as we turn to him in prayer.

Sister Margaret Washington ASC

March 17 Monday, Second Week of Lent

Daniel 9:4 - 10; Luke 6:36 - 38

In our continued pursuit to discern right from wrong, the Lord consistently offers us mercy and forgiveness. Luke reminds us to refrain from judging or condemning others and instead embrace a spirit of forgiveness. In a world overwhelmed by expectations—whether about our appearance, careers, or personal lives—it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: love, mercy, and forgiveness, rather than falling into the trap of comparison.

James Sanny, Videographer University Relations Office

March 18 Tuesday, Second Week of Lent

Isaiah 1:10, 16- 20; Matthew 23:1 - 12

I have reached an age when my flaws of character feel impossible to reverse, like a red wine stain that has completely dried on my best white shirt, “Why even try, it is what it is.” Isaiah's message serves as an important reminder and a call to action. Our God’s promise of genuine forgiveness if we repent makes even the darkest stain redeemable. It is time to step out of complacency. It is time to take an honest look at my own misguided actions. And what better way than to replace evil with good? The time is now. May I replace my complaints and judgements about others with caring service for those in my neighborhood with a need. God knows there are many opportunities for this work!

Ann Roder Fox, '81, '01

March 19 Wednesday, Solemnity of St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a,16; Romans 4:13, 16-18,22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

St. Joseph, a just man, knew himself and knew his place in the providential order of things. “Go tell my servant David,” that is, Joseph, that the time has come. The heir foretold from of old,

the heir that will "make his Kingdom firm,” has arrived. Now the Kingdom will last forever —beyond human power, due to divine grace. This is the promise, the covenant, that heaven confirms. St Joseph, like David, would turn and pray “My God, the Rock, my savior!” little knowing it would be from his home that the savior would come. His ignorance did not matter. His faith saved and perfected his knowledge of the law—faith in a gift beyond the law, for through Joseph did Abraham become the father of many nations. St. Joseph’s faith saved him in his dream, to trust in the word of the angel beyond empirical or legal assurances. St. Joseph took Mary into his home and thus fulfilled the promise, the law, and faith, for in his home did the Word made flesh first dwell amongst us.

John Brungardt, Assistant Professor of Philosophy

March 20 Thursday, Second Week of Lent

Jeremiah 17:5 - 10; Luke 16:19 - 31

In the gospel of Luke we hear the story of Lazarus and the rich man. We see that the rich man regrets his actions from the time that he was alive. We should heed his example, as we know that the reason why we were gifted the wealth that we have is not for ourselves. We are given wealth to share with others; once we die there will be nothing left for us. We could be selfish and keep everything to ourselves but what better time to give to others than during Lent as this is a time of sacrifice in preparation of the Lord's Resurrection.

Luke Timmermeyer, Seminarian

March 21 Friday, Second Week of Lent

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Today we reflect on two stories, one the story of Joseph and his betrayal by his brothers because of their jealousy and the second the parable of the Tenant Farmers who beat, stone, and kill the emissaries of the owner, who is only asking for his fair share that resulted from his generosity.

In both, the brothers and the tenant farmers were jealous and felt entitled, responding not as God expects with love, but with malice and disdain. When have we felt jealousy? When have we acted out of anger that is misplaced?

True, we don’t often respond by hitting, stoning, or killing another, yet we do so metaphorically, bullying, belittling, casting aside and being dismissive. In this season of Lent, we are asked to look inside and to reflect on how we act towards others finding a path of love. That is what is expected of us, to love the other as we would love ourselves. We are reminded in both stories that hate, anger, resentment, and jealousy are inconsistent with the pathway God expects of us.

Drew Bogner ‘79, Board of Trustees Member

March 22 Saturday, Second Week of Lent

Micah 7:14 - 15, 18 - 20; Luke 15:1- 3, 11- 32

The readings serve as a reminder of God's unending mercy. The God of Micah is a merciful and forgiving God who casts our transgressions into the abyss. This is echoed in Luke's prodigal son story, which demonstrates a father's unwavering love. We are prompted to consider our own forgiveness in both texts. Do we stand in judgment like the older brother, or do we celebrate when the lost are found? Lent encourages us to practice mercy, both receiving and giving it and to have faith in a God who will always return us home, regardless of how far we've wandered.

Kaven Bartlett, Student

March 23 Third Sunday of Lent

Exodus 3:1 – 8, 13 – 15; 1 Cor 10:1 -6. 10 – 12; Luke 13:1 – 9

In the reading from Exodus, we hear the story of Moses tending sheep in the desert. I imagine the boredom while being a shepherd suggests anything unusual would likely capture one’s attention. Moses’ curiosity channels him to “go over to look at this remarkable sight.” When Moses nears the bush, God informs him that he stands on holy ground. As the story continues, Moses is called to tend to the Israelites and lead God’s people out of their Egyptian slavery.

In Corinthians, Paul references the journey of the Israelites. Although they had been set free and led across the sea, the journey was not exempt of difficulties, complaints and, in some cases, choices that led to brokenness in the relationship with their God. Paul uses this reminder to serve as a warning that attention to our relationship with God must be tended to with care.

The parable in Luke’s Gospel passage provides us a recipe during this season of Lent. The owner of the fig tree has reached a frustration point with its lack of productivity. The gardener proposes the owner allow the tree to be tended to for another year. The season of Lent offers us a second chance to become the gardener that tends to the holy ground of our heart and soul. The productivity of our fruit is determined by the manner of cultivation and the grade of fertilizer we select. How can I best tend to my fig tree, planted in holy ground, to bear fruit in the future?

Sister Susan Welsby ASC, ’73, Board of Trustees Member

March 24 Monday, Third Week of Lent

2 Kings 5:1 - 15; Luke 4:24 - 30

A recurring theme throughout Scripture is the striking and often unsettling contrast between the Divine and our humanity. Within this vast disparity, we begin to grasp the truth of the words, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8). It's no wonder, then, that the abundant life to which God calls us can seem irrational, unsafe, or even foolish by human standards—because it is. The relationship we were created for requires radical trust, deep faith, and a willingness to step beyond what feels logical or secure. Though God’s ways and methods challenge our natural instincts, they remain the only true path to our ultimate restoration, healing, and transformation."

Brian Epperson, Professor of Business

March 25 Tuesday, The Feast of the Annunciation

Isaiah 7:10 – 14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4 – 10; Luke 1:26 – 38

Since I was young, I have firmly believed that with faith and perseverance, God protects us and guides us on the path to our destiny and salvation. I have never doubted God’s plan or resisted His will out of fear or uncertainty. I have always felt that God has a purpose for me and that by trust, everything falls into place at the right time.

However, I have experienced fear, especially when thinking about loneliness or the possibility of bad things happening and not being sure what to do. Even so, instead of resisting, I have found the strength to face those fears, knowing that God never abandons me. God’s presence has given me peace and the courage to move forward, trusting that everything happens according to His will. Like Mary, I want to continue saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word," with confidence and surrender, knowing that God is always with me.

Fabiola Ayarza, Admissions Counselor

March 26 Wednesday, Third Week of Lent

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5 - 9, Matthew 5:17 – 19

Reflecting on Deuteronomy…I’m grateful to work within a university that keeps faithful to its identity and mission. Walking around Newman, one cannot help but feel reassured that we are in the presence of a spiritual purpose. Our obedience to God’s dutiful thesis fosters the luminous message of service for others. In the intentional ways we support and uplift the students—and leaders—of tomorrow, we are protecting our future generations. I am blessed to ask myself every morning before work: “How can I help them succeed?” And through love and mercy, God coaches me.

Ashton Pacholski, Admissions Counselor

March 27 Thursday, Third Week of Lent

Jeremiah 7:23 - 28; Luke 11:14 - 23

In Jeremiah, God calls us to be obedient to his voice; in return, God promises life of eternal blessings. And in Luk, God makes it very clear that even if we are on the fence on choosing him or the devil, we are not on his side. Stand strong and resist the temptations of the devil.

May this Lent help us reflect on all the wonderful gifts God has given us. May we not be selfish and tempted. May we seek to fill our lives with God’s guidance, grace, and love. All our Lenten sacrifices will be rewarded this Easter and our souls be full of God’s love.

Kelli Griffith, Manager of Great Western Dining Services

March 28 Friday, Third Week of Lent

Hosea 14:1 - 9; Mark 12:28 - 34

Love – the readings today are all about love! God tells us in Hosea, “I will love them freely.”

Unbelievable! Amazing! The God who created everything good, including us, loves us freely despite our sinfulness and our creating idols in our lives. Jesus reminds us, “you shall love the Lord your God” with our total selves. Nothing is to be held back in loving God,, myself and my neighbor. We simply sit in quiet and let the awesomeness of these truths permeate our being with gratitude and reso0lve. “Let the one who is wise understand these things.”

Anonymous Alumna

March 29 Saturday, Third Week of Lent

Hosea 6:1 - 6; Luke 18:9 – 14

These passages challenge me to personally examine how I am cultivating my faith in outward expression - am I being sincere and prioritizing love and mercy over religious motions? As someone scientifically minded, it is often easy for me to fall into patterns, evaluating analytically how I will love and serve others, rather than how they would best be served and cared for. Both the texts in Hosea and Luke remind me that I am to serve all people in Christ's love and with compassion, not just how it is easiest for me.

Elizabeth Peuchen-Allison ‘14

March 30 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Joshua 5:9, 10 – 12; 2 Corinthians 5:17 – 21; Luke 15:1 -3, 11 -32

Today’s selection from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians exhorts us to be Ambassadors of Christ. Likewise, the Gospel shows Jesus being an Ambassador of God to those who count themselves godly enough to judge the company Jesus kept to be ungodly. Jesus offers them a parable that invites his listeners to see God in the person of the father who never stops watching for the return of his son who cut ties with his family in a rash pursuit of a life of self-indulgence. The detail of the father spotting his son while he was still a long way off is significant. Jesus wants his listeners to realize that God is always vigilant in our behalf. God wants to gather us into his arms even in our sinfulness. The father has no time for his son’s self-recriminations. He has a celebration to set in motion: “my son was dead and has come back to life again; he was lost and has been found.”

May we gladden God’s heart by being Ambassadors of Christ welcoming all, especially those who most need reassurance that they belong at God’s welcome-table.

Kate Reid ASC

March 31 Monday, Fourth Week of Lent

Isaiah 65: 17 – 21; John 4:43 – 54

Just as God delivered prophetic words to the Hebrews in Isaiah, Jesus demonstrates God's healing power in the Gospel of John. These acts of divine intervention offer hope, healing, faith, joy, and renewal. We anticipate a world free from sorrow, where God's promises are fully realized through the ministry of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Robert Norman, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

April 1 Tuesday, Fourth Week of Lent

Ezekial 47:1 - 9, 12; John 5:1 - 3, 5 – 16

Take up your pallet and walk. A simple command with simple words that create an enthusiasm within me that goes far beyond simple. I think about my life and realize that every struggle and every strife passed into what has become this technicolor vision of beauty and happiness. I am reminded daily of the power that comes from taking each day as it comes, pushing through the winds of adversity knowing that God has asked me to walk this path, and giving Him my complete trust that He will and has shown me the way home to Him.

Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman ’14, Director of Student Activities

April 2 Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent

Isaiah 49:8 - 15; John 5:17 - 30

Jesus tells us that His “Father is always at work.” In recent weeks, I have been moved by icons of Christ in motion: Jesus calming the storm, Jesus offering the loaves and fish to His Father, etc. These remind me that Jesus is active in my own life. In this season of Lent, we offer sacrifices that move us toward God, but that has always been a two-way street. Jesus wants us to be with Him in heaven FAR more than you/I desire it ourselves. Jesus is always at work for our salvation. What are some ways you have seen Him working in your life?

Jack Wingate, Seminarian

April 3 Thursday, Fourth Week of Lent

Exodus 32:7 - 14; John 5:31- 47

So often we choose our own path and ignore the signs from God to walk the path he has chosen. It’s ok to ask for help from God and it’s ok to put our pride aside and accept that we don’t have all the answers, even when we think we do. We have to trust in our faith and Our Lord to provide the right path to get the answers we seek and need.

Tony Tamburro ’03, ‘07

April 4 Friday, Fourth Week of Lent

Wisdom 2:1, 12 - 22; John 7:1 – 2, 10, 25 - 30

Today’s readings speak of wicked men seeking to kill the virtuous man, Jesus. Jesus came to earth so that mankind would know and love God. The readings are a painful reminder of humankind’s stubborn unwillingness to turn away from our sinful nature. Blessedly, we have the gift of Lent, a time to reflect, repent, repair our relationship with God and return to His love. May we use each remaining day of Lent to do everything in our power to do God’s will and become the reflection of His love and mercy we were born to be.

Patricia Suddock, Grandmother of a Newman Student

April 5 Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent

Jeremiah 11:18 - 20; John 7:40 – 53

In life, we are often beset with challenges and what may appear to be schemes against us.

Jeremiah experiences this situation. Instead of giving up when faced with schemes against him, he trusts in God’s divine plan. Jesus faces a similar situation when the Pharisees show particular hostility, questioning his ministry, stating that no prophet or Messiah could ever come from Galilee. Jesus’ response foreshadows his response in the Garden of Gethsemane. When facing rejection, instead of asking that this “cup be taken from Him,” Jesus trusts in his Father’s divine providence, and boldly states, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” In these moments, Jesus expresses the fullness of His humanity - experiencing division, pain, and anguish, but choosing to trust.

During this Lent, may we like Jeremiah and Jesus come to trust God’s plan for us. May we know, despite anything we experience, we have a Savior who has experienced human anguish. Like Jesus, we face our own crosses with trust in God, knowing the Father has a plan for us and all we are asked to do is trust.

David J Lechleitner, DBA Candidate