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