1 2 Reflections by the Benedictine University Community 2021

Our community of students, faculty, and staff are excited to publish our fifth book of Lenten reflections. Our Benedictine Hallmark of Love of Christ and Neighbor calls us to grow in love this Lenten season. As you pick up this book each day, know you are united in with the rest of our Christian community on campus. Listen to the voice of God speaking to you from the diverse and unified Body of Christ. Let this book, and with it God and Benedictine, travel with you on your Lenten journey.

All readings can be found by date on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org

Lenten Opportunities with Campus Ministry Ash Wednesday: 12:00p on Zoom Sunday prayer: Sundays 7:00p on Zoom Stations of the Cross: Fridays at 12:00p on Zoom Catholic Relief Services Feast Friday meal kits: ben.edu/lent Retreat available March 28

We encourage you to explore the options for worship (both in person and online) at your local church during Lent. There may be special services and events for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, , , and of course, . If you need any assistance finding a community, email [email protected].

Cover art by Nida Ali ‘20 3 Table of Contents Click to go to that day

Ash Wednesday (Feb 17) 4 Fourth Week of Lent February 18 4 March 14 24 February 19 5 March 15 24 February 20 6 March 16 25 March 17 26 First Week of Lent March 18 26 February 21 7 March 19 27 February 22 8 March 20 29 February 23 9 February 24 10 Fifth Week of Lent February 25 10 March 21 30 February 26 11 March 22 31 February 27 12 March 23 31 March 24 32 Second Week of Lent March 25 33 February 28 13 March 26 34 March 1 14 March 27 34 March 2 14 March 3 15 March 4 16 March 28 36 March 5 16 March 29 37 March 6 17 March 30 38 March 31 38 Third Week of Lent April 1 39 March 7 18 April 2 40 March 8 19 April 3 42 March 9 20 March 10 20 Easter Sunday 43 March 11 21 March 12 22 March 13 23 4 Ash Wednesday | February 17, 2021 Joel 2:12-18 Psalm 51:3-14 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

“What do you want?” A traditional Catholic view of conversion is to see it as the train- ing of one's appetite. A person's appetite is revealed in what he or she wants and, so, this means that conversion is coming to want the right things in the right ways. It is not simply coming to see what one should want, but coming to actually want those things. So, here are some ques- tions that we might ask during Lent. To what degree do I find myself wanting bad things or wanting good things excessively? During Lent, how can I use practices of self- denial to weaken and overcome my wayward wants. How about what I want for other people? Those wants say some- thing important about my appetite. I should train or form my appetite, so that I sincerely want what is good for others. Then I will love my neigh- bor. During Lent, how can I practice works of mercy toward the needy, so as to train my appetite in this way? Then there is the most important question of them all: Do I want God? Do I want Him above all else? That is what the theological virtue of charity entails: wanting God more than anything else. How can I be a better practitioner of prayer, so as to train my appetite to want God with all my heart? Abbot Austin Murphy, O.S.B.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday | February 18, 2021 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1:1-6 Luke 9:22-25

Dt 30:15-20 “Today” is mentioned three times in this reading. This gives a feeling of urgency. "Today" is always the day to choose the Lord, to choose life and prosperity, to begin anew. If one wants to delay important decisions to tomorrow, they will be tempted to continue delaying those decisions to other tomorrows. When faced with the temptations of sin, or deciding when to go to church, always choose the Lord today. 5 People who worship God, love God and follow God will live, grow and be blessed. They are not tempted to break the other command- ments and not tempted to serve other gods. Moses calls witnesses to emphasize the importance of his message. There's a clear choice between life and death, but he says to choose life. Live a long, loving life by following the commandments and following God's ways. Remember that Heaven and earth are witnessing, and that God is always witnessing. Kristian Santiago ‘21

Friday after Ash Wednesday | February 19, 2021 Isaiah 58:1-9A Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19 Matthew 9:14-15

Cry out! The message within the readings tells us to do something that many may consider an intimidating task. Many of us have felt a desire to “say something” whether it be about an injustice we witnessed, a co- worker being unfairly treated, a fellow student being harassed or the re- cent issues brought to light in the news and across the nation. However, few of us have gone beyond the feelings and frustration of the moment and used our voices to CRY OUT! The readings tell us be the person that speaks truth to life even when speaking out places us against those close to us. Righteous indignation, a phrase used by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., calls on us to use our voices to friends, family and our commu- nities about how far we’ve veered from the values synonymous with the original and highest ideals of our creator. In this reading, that eerily mirrors the state of our nation, we are encouraged to not be silent about the truth. We are commissioned by the prophet Isaiah to speak truth to life when we see injustice, intimidation, racism and discrimination in all forms. Let this time of renewal and recon- ciliation not be a time when we are silent about what we see. Let this time of healing be fortified by the spirit of truth and may God give us the strength to CRY OUT when faced with the bleak intolerance of the past. Dr. J.P. Bradley 6 Saturday after Ash Wednesday | February 20, 2021 Isaiah 58:9B-14 Psalm 86:1-6 Luke 5:27-32

He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails. For anyone who enjoys yard work, landscaping, or nurturing a flower or vegetable garden, and even if these activities are not your favor- ite pastime, the image of a watered garden is familiar. On a steamy hot day, parched, wilted flowers can spring back to life when rejuvenated with life-saving water. Lent can be a time to refresh ourselves with the water of Faith. It is important to work consistently at keeping the weeds of our deeds out of our garden so it can burst into glorious bloom on Easter Sunday and beyond.

The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. In these troubled times with a global pandemic and a divided na- tion, it is more important than ever before that Faith and the Church re- main relevant in our lives. Faith can provide direction and comfort in everyday life as well as at times when all can seem lost or impossible. We need grace and guidance daily to help us do the right thing even in the most difficult dilemmas and crises. Some refer to conscience, others to a moral compass or a personal “North Star for navigation” for staying on track in life, and faith can be at the heart of all of those. Lent provides time to reflect on gaining the strength to remain strong in conviction with truth at the foundation of all our endeavors. We won’t always be perfect, we won’t always get it right and we won’t always make the cor- rect decision. It helps us to remember that Jesus said the healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. It keeps expectations realistic to remem- ber that the Church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners. In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic when we realize heroes work at hospitals, we can be reassured that there are people all around us in all walks of life who would offer support and we, in turn, can reach out to others. Colleen Hanna 7 First Sunday of Lent | February 21, 2021 Genesis 9:8-15 Psalm 25:4-9 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:12-15

Genesis 9:8-15 This verse about God’s restoration and Covenant with all of man- kind is an iconic and very powerful verse. The story of Noah’s ark is very vital in the story of God’s creation. This story is about God essentially say- ing to his people that a new covenant has come and that it is a promise to his people that another flood will not come upon the earth. It forms an everlasting or eternal bond with God and all his creation. Many of us un- derstand the concept of “after every storm comes a rainbow,” and this is true in this passage. In the midst of adversity and in the middle of a storm it is hard to see any ray of sun or sign of hope. When all seems bleak even when we lack faith God steps in and shines his light, and this goes for this passage too. In Genesis Chapter 9: verse 13 it states, “I have set the bow in the clouds and it shall be as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This verse stuck out to me because it is God showing God’s sign of peace. The destruction of the flood in this passage is associated with God being upset with mankind, but here it is showing his true compas- sion and forgiveness by promising an eternal bond with all of his creation. Now when he refers to setting his “bow” in the clouds he is not only is referring to a rainbow but often times in Hebrew a “bow” can be used as an arrow or something used in battle. He is saying here that he is setting his bow aside from battle as a sign of forgiveness and that the covenant is to make peace with earth and all his creation. God’s presence is omnipotent, and the concept of God’s power and glory is astounding. We must embrace God’s everlasting arms and rejoice knowing that the Author and Creator of our lives is much bigger than we can imagine. Noah recognized God’s power showing great atten- tiveness and urgency. The fear of the Lord is essential to our faith as it humbles us. As it states in Proverbs 9: 10 “The fear of the Lord is the be- ginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy understanding.” Even in fear of the Lord he “has Plans to prosper you not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future” Jerimiah 29:11. He wants us to prosper and flourish more than we do for ourselves and the gift of his kindness and compassion is one to cherish. God wants us to follow “the straight narrow path” he has paved for us. In 25: 4-5 it states, “Your ways, O Lord 8 make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior.” Seeking God’s guidance is always important especially in times of despair or doubt. We must understand that God’s ways are not our ways and the path he has for us may seem difficult. However, when you diligently seek God’s guidance, he reminds us that his Son Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that having faith in him and humbly following Jesus ultimately leads us to salvation. David Haywood ‘22 Feast of the Chair of St. Peter | February 22, 2021 1 Peter 5:1-4 Psalm 23:1-6 Matthew 16:13-19

It’s a big ordeal to be the big brother of the family. Responsibility amplifies, and anything related to family becomes an obligation. Pressure is especially put onto you as the “role-model” or upcoming “head of the family” that will eventually overtake everything once an older generation has passed. The possibility of using that power becomes more open. Of- tentimes you get overly-critical to the point of hypocrisy, and the mis- takes you make become evermore egregious. Eventually, regardless of be- ing beside others, you would feel alone. However, being the eldest means having responsibility. The con- straints that come from being the role model is a privilege as you are granted the initiative to do things that your siblings are not able to do yet. During Lent, the barriers and constraints we put upon ourselves are not meant to be frowned upon, but instead, we are willing to do so for great- er freedom. You are being supported as much as possible so that you can set an example for others to follow. Regardless of one’s misdeeds, the eld- est is still being supported. Saint Peter rejected Jesus three times, yet he was given the keys to heaven and the authority as the first pope. No mat- ter how much we may stray away from God, He will always love us, and that includes everyone. Family, no matter what form, no matter how you view it, and no matter how much you may resent it, is the cornerstone of how people develop themselves. The familial bonds we create with each other will point us towards Him. However, the bond between us and God is special. Christ will never abandon us, but we have the choice whether or not we accept the Truth. That is why, during Lent, we focus on preventing fu- ture sins and doing good deeds in order to strengthen our bond with oth- ers and, ultimately, God. Chris Aguilar ‘24 9

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent | February 23, 2021 Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19 Matthew 6:7-15

The main idea that stuck with me from the readings of Feb 23, the Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, came from the gospel when Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. As the reading stated you do not need to know eloquent words in order to make your petition known to God, you don’t have to babble like pagans. You simply need to speak from your heart, and God will hear your prayer. In times of strife, especially like the times that we experienced in the year 2020, simply speak from your heart and your prayer will not return void. If you still don’t know what to say, you can simply pray the pray- er that Jesus taught his disciples to pray, which is the Lord’s prayer. And if you are suffering spiritually and the complete Lord’s prayer doesn’t come to you, simply do as I do and take one statement from that prayer which is “thy will be done.” I speak those words so frequently to God when I want to talk to Him, but I can’t find the words to express the feelings of my heart. He knows what we want before we ask Him, therefore simply saying “Thy will be done” will cover whatever you’re going through. I always believe that these words cover it all and that I will be ok because if it’s His will that I’m praying for, I know that the best outcome will come from that. There are so many things in life that I could be in anguish about, but when I recall His grace and mercy on my life, I try to turn that sad- ness into gladness. As was stated in the first paragraph of the reading His word will not return void. Therefore, as it was stated here as well as it being stated in The Lord’s prayer, His will is what’s best for me, and I count on that when I find myself with nowhere to turn in times of tribu- lation. Ultimately, His will is what’s best for me, and I feel the peace that intends to be for me because of it. Liz Velez 10 Wednesday of the First Week of Lent | February 24, 2021 Jonah 3:1-10 Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Luke 11:29-32

Are we receiving a message? Is direction provided to us? We are inundated with emails, texts, commercials, etc. every day. A message or direction can come to us once, twice or many times. We can act impul- sively or procrastinate. Each one of us has a method to filter out what is vital at that time and what may be important in the future. We can recall these periods in our lives when action is necessary for personal good or for the good of others. Currently, the messages of proper personal health care and advocacy for social justice are being sent to us by many sources. Other signs may be less direct or more subtle for us to hear so we must pay attention. Messages and direction can come during our daily prayer, weekly Sunday service and reflection time. The Rule of St. Benedict encourages us to “listen” to the “ear of our heart.” Being an active listener provides us assistance in understanding messages and leads us in a positive direction. Within our Benedictine community, students, faculty and staff can also provide guidance in the classroom, seminars and programs. The readings today remind us to listen to the messages of repent- ance. It is also suggests sharing this message to others as Jonah did. Marco Masini

Thursday of the First Week of Lent | February 25, 2021 Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Psalm 138:1-3, 7c-8 Matthew 7:7-12

In the first reading, Esther calls out to God to recourse. To re- course is to give someone help in a particular hardship. Esther implies that she is nothing without the Lord’s support by saying, “Help me, who am alone and have no help but you.” She knows that God is the only one that can give us strength when we need it. This connects to the Lenten season because when one fasts, they meditate upon Jesus’ suffering. Therefore, they will grow into a more sustained love for Christ. This in- creased affection for Jesus will likely manifest itself through one’s kind deeds for other people or, more generally, one loving others. 11 In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides us with one more command- ment. He pleads to us that we must treat other individuals the way we want to be treated. Jesus implicitly relates one’s efforts to be kind to an- other person to one knocking on the door so someone will let them in. Thus, if we do our best to love other people and be kind to them, God will become closer to us and open the doors to heaven for us. This relates to Lent especially since Lent is a time for purification of our hearts and souls by trying to avoid temptations from Satan. Today’s saint of the day is Blessed Sabastian of Aparicio. He lived a life of immense charity even though he was wealthy. Sabastian’s life con- nects to the Gospel in that through acts of kindness to other people such as charity, one has the potential to reach sainthood. Throughout my life during Lent, I make more charitable donations to organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Catholic Charities to give to those who are less fortunate than me. In this way, I try to act like Sabas- tian who valued charity over wealth. What can you do for the rest of your life to be more loving and charitable to your neighbors? Jack McGraw ‘22

Friday of the First Week of Lent | February 26, 2021 Ezekiel 18:21-28 Psalm 130:1-8 Matthew 5:20-26

“De profundis clamavi ad te Domine, Domine exaudi vocem meam! Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord: Lord hear my voice!”— Psalm 130: 1. (And I highly recommend that you listen to Antonio Sali- eri’s “De Profundis” on YouTube. It is a perfect accompaniment to read- ing the Psalm.) With this heartfelt supplication we mark the Friday of the first week of Lent. I have always had an affection for this Psalm; many times I have found myself in the depths and have called to the Lord to lift me out. Many times I have exclaimed with the Psalmist, “Lord, let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.” As the Psalm continues it shifts from tears of sorrow to a song of faith: “I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word…For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; and he will redeem Is- rael from all their iniquities.” I hear a voice of radical confidence here, akin to Mary expecting a miracle from Jesus at Cana: “Do what he tells you,” or the centurion expecting a miraculous cure: “But only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Finally, the Psalmist acknowledges that we are all sinful and need to seek forgiveness and that we are totally 12 dependent on the mercy of God: “If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.” Bishop Sheen tells of an Irish woman who was married to an alco- holic. When her husband was drinking again, she would come to the church to pray. But when she prayed, she didn’t think of just begging God for a favor to help her husband overcome his sin. Rather she saw God as a partner in the marriage and so came to him and said, “He’s drinking again, Lord. You need to fix it now.” She didn’t just hope her prayer would be answered, she expected it. She had the radical faith of the Psalmist, of the centurion, of Mary. How will you approach God with radical faith and confidence today, how will you ask him to lift you out of the depths and to lead you on a path of repentance and salvation? Dr. Matthew Wiesner

Saturday of the First Week of Lent | February 27, 2021 Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Psalm 119:1-8 Matthew 5:43-48

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” Let that sink in for a moment. We are being commanded to love our enemies and to even ask for the healing for those who go against us. Now I know that that may sound crazy, especially given the climate currently, but it is what is being asked of us as children of God. I also understand that it is difficult to carry out. However, the love towards our enemy does not need to be a colossal one but can be as sim- ple as questioning how their day is or holding the door open or even spending a few minutes talking with them. The goal is to show that you care about them; to show them you are considerate. If one wishes to make a grand gesture, make sure it is of good intention and that you care about performing the gesture. As we are in the beginning of Lent, take this message and reflect on it. Notice how you have made others feel around you, how consider- ate you were of their feelings. Follow the path of Jesus and love ALL those around you, no matter the history between them and yourself. Be- fore you leave a conversation or interaction with someone, think to your- self: Did I put forth my most considerate self today? And if the answer to that question is yes, you have then done your Christian duty. Amen Nathan Klimisch ‘24 13

Second Sunday of Lent | February 28, 2021 Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Psalm 116:10, 15-19 Romans 8:31b-34 Mark 9:2-10

If I forward this challenging story of the Sacrifice of Isaac to the 21st century, and seek to adapt it to a more reasonable understanding of our story, then three ideas need to be comprehended and acted upon in our time: 1.) hearing God’s call; 2.) listening to the “Lord’s messenger” and 3.) the necessity of a sacrifice. First of all, Abraham responded to God by saying “Here I am!” There’s a sense that Abraham’s presence was unequivocal and undivided. How are we to answer God’s call in a time such as ours with its untold seductions and distractions from the media, the competitiveness to get ahead financially, and the senseless violence we witness so frequently in our world? Responding to God’s call is not so much to speak, as if to par- ticipate in an intense or casual dialog, but more so to listen; that is, to be still, quiet, and to allow our minds to empty-out of what distracts us. To heed the Lord’s messenger is to listen to the promptings of one’s own moral conscience when in silence. The moral conscience is a universal construction in all of us that protects the common good by discerning right from wrong. Put in a way that employs the emotions, it reveals that peace is preferred to division, honesty over falsehood, tenderness over ag- gression, seeing deep interior beauty over surface ugliness, and choosing humor instead of maudlin seriousness. The reality of sacrifice is probably the most challenging of the three ideas of our story, and it seems to be a necessary prerequisite for the other two ideas of our story to take place. It is not necessarily sacrificing something close to us that is outside of ourselves, as much as it is sacrific- ing something dominant within us. I am referring primarily to the ego. The ego is a broad construction of identity that has many facets, some of which is necessary; the ego I am referring to is a superficial entity of many negative traits that corrupt us, such as: the narcissism of feeling superior to others, the shallowness of bigotry, the need to project blame onto others, the denial of being wrong, or that the world revolves solely around one- self and one’s own needs. The sacrifice of this superficial ego feels quite like a death, but it needs to happen before we can ever hope to be present in this life to experience the magnificent gift of God’s blessings. William Scarlato 14 Monday of the Second Week of Lent | March 1, 2021 Daniel 9:4B-10 Psalm 79:8-13 Luke 6:36-38

Lent is a season in our spiritual lives where we should take the op- portunity to reflect upon ourselves to ask God to pardon us from our sins. In today’s readings we are reminded that we are sinners who have sinned, and it is only with God’s mercy we are forgiven. I feel that there are three steps towards asking for forgiveness. The first step is to ask for the grace of humility from God. It takes an individual great humility in order to label themselves as a sinner and to acknowledge that that they have sinned. The next step is to be able to have the grace to understand the sins you have committed. It is not only acknowledging that we have sinned but also re- flecting upon how our sins may have impacted people around us. Are you willing to ask forgiveness from those you have hurt? Are also willing to forgive those who have hurt you? As it says in the gospel today, “forgive and you will be forgiven.” When we are able to understand our sins were able to forgive others and ask for pardon for ourselves. The last step I feel in asking for forgiveness is to be able to remember that God’s forgiveness is immense and merciful! Through God’s forgiveness we are given the chance to better our spiritual life and not to commit again the sins we have done. This Lenten season have you contemplated upon the sins you have committed and asked for true forgiveness from God? Anjali Maliekkal ‘22

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent | March 2, 2021 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Psalm 31: 5-6, 14-16 Matthew 20:17-28

In today’s reading, from Isaiah 1:16-17, we are told, “Wash your- selves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” It is a message our nation needs to hear. I interpret this as, stop being part of the problem! Look around you and see what is wrong because we need more people to be a part of the solution. Change sounds challenging but it does not need to be. 15 I know that I make things harder on myself than necessary and I am sure many of you can relate. It is helpful, for me, to pause and take a moment to find the next tiny step that will propel me forward. When you find yourself making something challenging, I encourage you to lis- ten to Danny Gokey’s song “Love God Love People.” Here is the cho- rus, “Gotta keep it real simple, keep it real simple. Bring everything right back to ground zero, 'Cause it all comes down to this, love God and love people. We're living in a world that keeps breakin', but if we want to find a way to change it, it all comes down to this, Love God and love people.” We can help change our world by keeping things simple, love God and love people, sounds like the best place to start. Lord, help us to always remember that when the world feels bro- ken, we can do our part to bring everything together again by loving You and our neighbors. Monica Ragusa

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent | March 3, 2021 Jeremiah 18:18-20 Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16 Matthew 20:17-28

Today's readings call us to reflect on the salvation and freedom that we can receive through the sacrifice our Lord made for us on the cross. In the responsorial psalm, “Save me, O Lord, in your kindness,” we acknowledge our imperfections and plea to Christ that his mercy may be enough to save us. Through the verse before the gospel, we pray to be- lieve that God is indeed the light of the world, and whoever follows Him will have the light of life. In the Gospel Jesus humbles his faithful disciples by explicitly warning them that they must be each other servants in order to reach the Kingdom of Heaven. He warned all his disciples that whoev- er tries to be above the other will be their slave, yet he spoke to the group as if he didn’t know who he would be deceived by. These readings call us to reflect on our intentions as Christians and children of God. He knows our intentions- but are we living as Jesus taught us to do in this gospel? It is said that “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to give his life for the ransom of many.” During this season of Lent, it is an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice for us by death on a cross: humiliated, mutilated, and exposed. When Jesus gave His life as a ransom for us, He clearly showed us his intentions. Now is the time to ask ourselves if we live with the intention to be each other's servants as Christ did for us, or are we asking to be served to later become the slave of the righteous. Lauren Schuster ‘22 16 Thursday of the Second Week of Lent | March 4, 2021 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1:1-6 Luke 16:19-31

When I first looked at the reading from Jeremiah, the word cursed stood out to me. Who wants to be cursed by God? Will I be cursed by God if I trust people? Ouch! However, this is not the point. Instead, the point is to trust God and God’s ways and direction. How do we stay grounded and hopeful during challenging and uncertain time periods during our lives? The world changed for all of us in early 2020. Events happen in our lives that are unexpected and difficult. How do we maintain our hope? Where do we turn? Do we turn to earthly pleasure or status among people? Do we keep ourselves incredibly busy so that we don’t notice or feel the pain? Maybe it is not as much being cursed as it is looking for hope and conso- lation where it cannot be found. In fact, we are told that a great chasm has been established. Perhaps this chasm is not only for time after our death, but during our lifetime, too. Following a path that relies on numbing our pain through pleasure or busy-ness takes us to a place of even greater anxiety. Following a path that trusts in God takes us to a place of true consolation and safety. Do you talk with God or Mary or a favorite saint to stay grounded and hope- ful? Do you listen for their quiet reply – and feel the consolation that they provide? Prayer works! Talk with God or Mary and then quietly listen – and feel their presence and know that they are walking with you. Rob Rebman

Friday of the Second Week of Lent | March 5, 2021 Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13A, 17B-28A Psalm 105:16-21 Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

The story of Joseph and his coat certainly could be called a Bible "classic.” Evil and tragedy befell Joseph. His brothers sold him into slav- ery. He was taken from his homeland. He was falsely accused of sexual assault. He was betrayed by someone he had helped and left to rot in pris- on. Yet this suffering was all part of God's plan, ultimately intended for Joseph’s good, superseding all the evil intentions of his antagonists, 17 allowing Joseph to take on a powerful post as Governor to Pharaoh. Shockingly, even the terrible famine the region experienced was part of the plan, reestablishing loving ties with Joseph’s brothers and father and using Joseph as an instrument to cleverly find ways to ration food to pre- vent the starvation of thousands. Joseph’s story is a great one, and in many ways it prefaces the story of Christ's suffering to unveil the greatest of all good - access to His heav- enly kingdom. We need to be mindful that God’s work may involve evil people doing evil things despite the good intentions of our own plans. However, God transcends our earthly plans. God is always in control. Seemingly evil actions carried out by even those whom we love dearly may ultimately lead to incredible good - not just for our own good, but for the greater good of all. Dr. Tim Marin

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent | March 6, 2021 Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The story of “The Prodigal Son” is well known and well under- stood by many. There was always something that I took issue with though, and that is how the younger brother gets this great treatment when he returns, but the older brother does not get this extravagant treat- ment. That’s always where I had left my thoughts on this reading, but there is a part that I had always missed. That idea I missed was that in this reading it is not addressing the older brother’s entire life, rather, it is dis- cussing the period of time in which the younger brother returns to his father. This is established in the beginning when people are judging Jesus for inviting sinners to eat. This part can be easily glanced over, even though it is integral for setting up the parable. It is easy to think that the younger brother does not deserve what his father is giving him upon his return home. However, this return home represents a person leaving a life of sin and returning home to God. God is amazing in that it does not matter where we go or where we end up in life, if we come back, we will be welcomed with open arms and a delicious feast to fill ourselves with God’s love. The reason it appears as though the older brother does not receive anything is because he already has “it.” He is there and exposed to and filled with God’s love. It is important to know that God is always willing to forgive us because we are human. God is not human. God is 18 love. That is why we have Jesus so we can see and feel God’s love and forgiveness in a human sense. This is why this story is important during Lent, as Lent is a time for repentance for our sins. It is a time of for- giveness and homecoming. No matter what, God is always there with open arms and a feast to welcome us. Gianna Pullara ‘24

Sunday of the Third Week of Lent | March 7, 2021 Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19:8-11 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 John 2:13-25

Some may think of the 10 Commandments as rules. I prefer to view them as gifts to navigate the surroundings we live in with love. They are strong and mighty words, but they empower us to create a better, more caring, and merciful world. A world based in love where we treat others in this shared sacred space with respect and an open heart. We don't always get it right. Sometimes we fall down. But each day we can get up and try again. God accepts us exactly as we are. And always ahead of his time, He knew we'd need a little "self-care," so He gave us a day to rest and refresh. The world exists within us too in our own personal sanctuary of body and mind. How we treat ourselves is a reflection on our world. To- day try to practice some loving kindness with yourself. Be a friend to the person you are right now. The words you say to yourself are just as im- portant as the words you choose to say to another person. Be kind...be forgiving...and be accepting. You are a GIFT to our world and I'm glad you're a part of it. "You have the words of everlasting life." What loving affirmation can you say to yourself today that accepts you exactly as you are? Liz Sodaro 19 Monday of the Third Week of Lent | March 8, 2021 2 Kings 5:1-15a Psalm 42:2, 3, 43:3-4 John 4:24-30

“No prophet is accepted in his own native place,” our Lord says. His words are commonly read as an effort to reassure people who speak out about injustices. When you dare to speak out, Jesus teaches, your words may be met with suspicion and your character attacked—not just by anyone but also by those nearest and dearest to you. The cold recep- tion can discourage us from speaking hard truths. Do not be discouraged, says the Lord. Speak out. No prophet is accepted in his own native place. Jesus utters those words in the synagogue at Nazareth, his hometown. How were his own words received that day? “When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill upon which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.” How terrifying! Notice that the opposition, though ferocious, is powerless to stop Jesus, the Truth. When his people tried to kill him, Jesus “passed through the midst of them and went away.” The violent reaction of Jesus’s townspeople may seem laughably disproportionate. Did they really want to hurl him to his death merely for having observed that, when you dare to speak against injustice, your views may be rejected? Fuller inspection of the story reveals an uglier motive. After Jesus makes his observation, he notes two details from salvation history that seem intended to explain or confirm it. The details are these: At a time of desperation for many widows in Israel, God’s prophet Elijah helped the widow in Zarephath, a Phoenician. And at a time “when there were many lepers in Israel,” God’s prophet Elisha cleansed the leper Naaman, a Syrian. Jesus offers these examples to believers gathered in a place of wor- ship for the God of Israel. So, the real reason that Jesus’s people want to kill him, it seems, is for having raised question about the special character of God’s love for Israel. God does not love Israelites more than God loves Phoenicians and Syrians, Jesus teaches. God does not love Americans more than God loves Iranians and Chinese. In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus effectively af- firms that true believers must “acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives” (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, 1). 20 Lord, grant me the courage to speak out about injustices. Help me to recognize, with Pope Francis and the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, that “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters” (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, 5). Dr. Martin Tracey

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent | March 9, 2021 Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Psalm 25:4-9 Matthew 18:21-35

We are reminded in today’s reading about the Lord’s “kindness and great mercy” (Daniel 3: 42). The Responsorial Psalm elaborates with the following appeal: “Remember your compassion and your mercy, O Lord, for they are ages old. Remember no more the sins of my youth; remember me according to your mercy, because of your goodness, Lord. Good and up- right is the Lord, therefore he shows sinners the way, He guides the hum- ble in righteousness, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalm 25: 6-9) Today's Gospel illustrates these ideas in the story about a servant, who is forgiven a large debt, but then refuses to forgive a small debt from a fellow servant (Matthew 18: 21-35). As I read these passages, humility emerges as a guiding principle. Though difficult at times, especially when we are emotionally invested in our work, family, and friends, we must be honest about our own shortcomings, limitations, and sins. Just as we ask for forgiveness and mercy, we too must give forgiveness and show mercy to others. Dr. Al Legutki

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent | March 10, 2021 Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Psalm 147:12-16, 19-20 Matthew 5:17-19

Today’s reading was about Moses giving the Israelites the statutes and decrees of after making it to the promise land. During this reading I thought about how much God does for us every day. From giving the Israelites the promise land to guiding you through though times. God is always there, because of this why should we not abide by his statutes and decrees. It is a small price for such a big reward. Taking time to think about the things that God has done for you can help you to see why 21 living life through God’s will is so important. How do you use your life to follow God’s statutes and decrees? Megan Fast ‘22 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent | March 11, 2021 Jeremiah 7:23-28 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 Luke 11:14-23

The first reading for today echoes the opening of the Rule of St. Benedict: “Listen.” It exhorts us to “Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I com- mand you, so that you may prosper.” The reading goes on to relate how God’s people ignored His voice and “walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to [Him].” Today’s respon- sorial psalm entreats us “if today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” As I consider these readings, I become aware that the “busy-ness” of my life often draws me away from stillness and deep listening. There are meetings to attend, classes to plan, tests and papers to grade; I need to prepare meals, do laundry, shovel snow; daily exercise is necessary to strengthen my body and give me energy for other tasks; my family needs me to help my daughter care for my grandchildren and work with my sisters to help my mom because the danger of Covid prevents her from leaving her assisted-living residence . . . Most of what occupies my time and my attention is not self-indulgent activities or acts that show “hardness of [an] evil heart,” yet I often find that, even as I am engaged in one “important” activity, part of my mind is running through a litany of all the other “important” activities that remain to be done. This is ex- hausting. I am not fully present. Not grounded. Not centered. Not listen- ing. . . Today is the feast day of St. John Ogilvie, who found himself par- ticularly struck by the text from scripture: “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” It occurs to me that this is why the Rule of St. Benedict reminds us that every good work must start with prayer. Prayer grounds us in our spiritual center and helps us to be fully present, fully mindful, in all our actions. As the Lenten season continues, I invite you to join me in taking time to pause amid life’s many demands on our time, on our minds, on our spirits, and to listen, to center ourselves fully, and to find the spiritual refreshment that God promises us. Dr. Beth Vinkler 22 Friday of the Third Week of Lent | March 12, 2021 Hosea 14:2-10 Psalm 81:6-11, 14, 17 Mark 12:28-34

It is Friday. It is the beginning of the weekend. Time to go out. But, before he does, a man shouts to God with questions: God! I love you! But what more do you want from me? Lent? No meat today? 40 Days? Fast? Sacrifice? Self-denial? Self-examine? Reflect? Repent? Forgive? Spiritual discipline? Be thoughtful? Give… Cheerfully? Share with the poor… Gladly? Speak for the oppressed? Be kind… Even if, I do not agree? Why God? No God! Not Me God! Why sacrifice? Why deny myself… anything? No, I am not going to wear a mask! No, I should be able to hug my friends and family, when I want! No, I should be able to go out to bars and eat what I want! No, I do not believe in vaccinations! No! Not going to do it! Why can’t I just do what I want? The way I want! Why God? No God! Not Me God! BUT, I STILL LOVE YOU GOD. SORRY… JUST ASKING! Then, Christ, who took our sin unto Himself. Who was crucified on a cross… For us. Who was buried and rose from the dead… For us. Who give His life to redeem us. Christ spoke-up and said to this man: There is nothing you are required to do. There is nothing that you need to do. It is finished! But, let Me ask you, the more pressing questions: What more do you want from Me? If I could do these things… why not you? What do you really have to lose? Why, if you love Me, as much as you do… Why, then, is it so hard for you to love your neighbor… As much, as it appears, that you love yourself? 23 I STILL LOVE YOU, TOO, MY CHILD. SORRY… JUST ASK- ING! Cathy Gaddis

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent | March 13, 2021 Hosea 6:1-6 Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21AB Luke 18:9-14

I first read the book of Hosea with a fellow student in 2015. At the time, I had only been a Christian for a few months and I was trying to formulate some frameworks in my mind of how Christian worship and God ‘worked.’ As I read the verse, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos 6:6), I real- ized that I had a mistaken view of the Church. Growing up in America, I had internalized that the Church was judgmental and operated in a trans- actional method of worship. Learning this truth about God’s desire helped me as a new believer to be focused on the heart of God and growing in knowledge of Him. Today as I read this again, the lesson of God’s desire has become more reinforced. I can see how this message in Hosea, about the tribes Ephraim and Judah in the , are consistent with the same message preached by Jesus in the . Also, these same desires are reflected in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and Jesus’ greatest com- mandment (Matthew 22:37-40). God, His promises, and His desires are all consistent. And so how should we respond appropriately, especially during Lent? Shall we offer sacrifices? What sort of acknowledgement of God must we specifically make? How are you going to behave and think starting now to make that acknowledgement? The parable in today’s gospel reading might help you find some answers to that. To me, I see the need to acknowledge and remind myself of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, which is an act of abiding in Christ (John 15) during this Lenten season. I also know that my offering will not be accepted until I am reconciled with my brothers and sisters (Matthew 5:23-24) which moves me further into action towards restorative justice. Dr. Lindsey Mao 24 Sunday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 14, 2021 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Psalm 137:1-6 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21

“By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. On the aspens of that land we hung up our harps.” “For there our captors asked of us the lyrics of our songs… How could we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?” Like the psalmist, have we hung our harps? Are we removed from community and cheer? Zion is a physical place and a representation of Heaven. Both are yearned for. This is not home, and we are weary. And yet, though the Psalmist cannot find the will to sing the songs of old, the captive composes this Psalm. Instead of harping on a theme, the Psalmist seeks to affirm that the grace of God will be remembered in melody and verse. This new song will be passed down as a lament not only for the Psalmist’s time, but for ours. Let this be our lesson. We shall not forget Jerusalem. But while we are here, we shall find a way to give voice to our pain, help to our people, and meaning to our suffering. Anna Fisher ‘21 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 15, 2021 Isaiah 65:17-21 Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13B John 4:43-54

As we immerse ourselves in the Lenten season, though we are asked to reflect on our weaknesses, God calls us to also recognize our strengths, including our ownership of hope and faith. In Isaiah (65:17) The Lord speaks to renewal (hope), “I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.” In John (4:53-54), “Then the father realized that this was the exact time in which Jesus said to him, ‘Your son will live.” So, he and his whole household believed” (faith). 25 During this time of reflection, our faith may waiver, our hope may dim, but always, always, we are invited to come to know God and our- selves more fully. If we are up to the task of accepting the invitation, we may better understand the role faith and hope can have in our lives. Though the father in the reading from John came to believe after his son was healed, it had to start with hope, then faith followed. What if your hope doesn’t pan out as you expected? How will your faith be challenged? If your faith is challenged, might it open the door to a deeper examination of your relationship with God? A deeper examination of your faith? Lent invites us in to examine all of this in hopes of discovering how we can all be better stewards of God’s word, inspiring hope and faith. Nicki Anderson

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 16, 2021 Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Psalm 46:2-9 John 5:1-16

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in dis- tress.” Today’s reading reminds me of the famous “Footprints in the Sand” poem, whose author is unknown, that so beautifully portrays God’s love and strengthens one’s faith: “My son, my precious child, I love you and I will never leave you. During your times of trials and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” What can be more soothing than the thought of always having God by our side? The feeling of calm and serenity is overwhelming as we are reminded that regardless of how desperate and impossible our circum- stances are, God will not abandon us and will take care of His children in ways we cannot even fathom. This Lent I encourage you to strengthen your faith and make it unwavering, reflect back on all the times that God was your hope, your strength, and your salvation. Although you might not have understood it at the time, and couldn’t help but wonder “why me, God?” look back at how far you’ve come or how your path changed course for the better. Fill your heart with gratitude for all the challenges that God has helped you overcome and reflect on the lessons and growth you have acquired. Just like Saint Clement, have faith that failures and obstacles will unveil new opportunities to serve and get closer to God. Dr. Florina Salaghe 26 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 17, 2021 Isaiah 49:8-15 Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 John 5:17-30

During these times of uncertainty and circumstances we can and at times cannot control, I pray for all the families who have lost loved ones this past year. As I read the Gospel of Jn 5:17-30 many thoughts were going through me and even though I don’t read the Bible as often as I should, I interpreted this particular piece that I feel we can all take to heart. Jesus was being criticized for working during the Sabbath. His response: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” Jesus also said, “The Son cannot do anything on his own, but only sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will also do.” We are influenced so much by the people we are close to, whether it’s your parents, teachers, bosses, friends and even coaches. We, as mentors of youth must keep in mind that our ac- tions and words can influence so many. Being truthful, transparent and making good moral decisions has consequences. We have responsibilities every day of making choices that influence. Who and what we are has been given to us by people we have chosen to be in our lives. We still have to determine in our minds what is right and wrong for ourselves; we have that freedom. God gives people the power to exercise judgement, what we do with that power is up to us. Keith Bunkenberg Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 18, 2021 Exodus 32:7-4 Psalm 106:19-23 John 5:31-47

“The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus provides testimonies that authenticate his mission. That of the follower and of God himself, which is made accessi- ble to us in two ways: through the divine works that He performs, and through the Scriptures. In other words, the works that Jesus performs of- fer testimony to His mission given by God. The works that Jesus has done that no one has been able to do are clear testimony that the Father is with him. When people witnessed the 27 miracles He did they should have been convinced that He was sent from the Father in Heaven. But in reality there were many who saw these mir- acles and still refused to accept His miracles as evidence of His divinity. So although His miracles were amazing and were indications to those who were believers, His most earnest work was that of His everyday humility and honest love. We cannot perform miracles from God, but we can act as witness- es to the truth and share the Heart of the Father in Heaven. If you seek to be pure of heart as Jesus was, allow God to shine through you in your daily actions. Even the tiniest act of love expresses so much to others. To- day, reflect on the ways that God has left you in awe of His love and mes- sage. Divert from the criticism you may experience when you follow His Voice and seek out His message for clarity. Xitlali Sanchez ‘24 Solemnity of St. Joseph | March 19, 2021 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

At a press conference during his 1961 visit to France, President John F. Kennedy famously introduced himself as “the man who accompa- nied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris.” We have no information about Saint Joseph’s sense of humor, but he might have made a similar quip. The Gospel of Matthew refers to Joseph as the “husband of Mary,” making him the only person in the New Testament described as the “husband of” anybody else. He could have introduced himself as the man who accom- panied the Queen of Heaven to Bethlehem. The funny thing is, though, Joseph never says anything. Pontius Pilate gets the great “What is truth?” line. The centurion (played by John Wayne in the 1965 epic The Greatest Story Ever Told) utters the climatic “Truly, this man was the son of God.” But scripture doesn’t attribute a single word to Joseph. Joseph’s silence is just one feature of his curiously thin gospel por- trait. Like his Hebrew Bible eponym, he’s a dreamer. Some of his notable acts—staying with Mary despite her pregnancy, naming their son Jesus, charting an escape to Egypt—are responses to divine orders received while fast asleep. Beyond that, the profile is pretty skimpy. Even his status as the world’s best-known carpenter isn’t supported by the text. The adult Jesus is called “son of Joseph” and “the carpenter’s son,” but Joseph is never directly associated with that line of work. His meager offering of 28 two turtledoves in the Temple suggests he was not successful at any trade. Oddly, in the Gospel of Mark, it’s Jesus—not Joseph—who’s called “the carpenter.” Perhaps Joseph’s most striking achievement in the gospel narrative is losing his son in a crowd. Sunday School art pictures the twelve-year- old Jesus serene in a circle of admiring male elders. No stained glass win- dow renders two parents frantically searching for their missing child. When they locate Jesus in the Temple, it’s Mary who does the talking. We can only wonder what Joseph made of Jesus’s response: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Again, the author records no comment from the husband of Mary. After the family settled in Nazareth, Joseph vanishes from the sto- ry. It takes even the observant reader a while to notice his absence. Mary shadows Jesus from cradle to crucifixion. Joseph disappears without a trace. Jesus never mentions him. Aside from Matthew and Luke (and two oblique references in John), no New Testament writer acknowledges his existence. The virtual invisibility of Joseph in the New Testament is in con- trast with his relative prominence in modern devotional Catholicism. Christmas cards and front yard decorations give him near-equal billing with Mary. The suburbanization of has produced countless images of a nuclear Holy Family with a domestic Mary, obedient Jesus, and a muscular provider busy with hacksaw and plane. Pope Pius XII cre- ated an industrial-age Joseph the Worker, giving the church a second Jo- seph feast, a Catholic-safe alternative to the otherwise socialist celebration of the First of May. We seem embarrassed by the other-worldly, absent- minded, inarticulate Joseph of scripture. Lent invites us into deeper engagement with the Bible. That en- gagement can yield disorientation as well as fascinating speculation as it challenges firmly held assumptions. Joseph was no suave escort for a glam- orous sophisticate and hardly a model for someone whose reputation be- came teaching with authority. He was a poor man, unsteady in romance, more at ease in dreams than the drama of empires and precocious off- spring. Perhaps Jesus thought of him when he stood silent before a patri- arch of another sort quizzing him on the nature of truth. Dr. Peter Huff 29

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent | March 20, 2021 Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 7:23, 9BC-12 John 7:40-53

Do you ever feel like the whole world and everyone in it is against you? The readings today take us on a journey of that feeling. Jeremiah only wanted to bring truth and peace to the people he loved from the God he loved, and they continually rejected him. “Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me…” Jeremiah felt like every tactic he tried to get God’s message across was met with a brick wall. I used to refer to this feeling as “stabbing in the dark with a plastic knife.” When you get zero feedback, you don’t know how to change your strategy to something that works. It’s a desper- ate feeling. Whatever the circumstances, it is hard to know where to turn. The psalmist has the answer: “Oh Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.” A refuge is a place of safety, where no harm can come to you. The psalm reassures of God’s strength, that no power in the world is stronger. What could possibly match the Creator? So many people are suspicious of Jesus in the Gospel. They do not trust him because of where he is from. They do not trust him because he does not respect the right people, or say the right things. The only one who stands up for him is Nicodemus, and he is shot down, too. Like Jere- miah, Jesus is there to speak truth, but no one will listen. We hear this story, this desperate situation, and remember: Jesus is God. Whatever plots for violence and death await him, Jesus Christ is victorious. We know the end of the story. Jesus is put to death and it all seems over, only for him to rise from the dead. What plots could possible defeat that? What could possibly match the Creator? When it feels like the whole world and everyone in it is against you, here is the reminder that God is for you. Jesus knows how it feels, all prophets do. Besides, what could possibly match the Creator? Carol Allen 30

Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 21, 2021 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15 Hebrews 5:7-9 John 12:20-33

Lent can be described as a journey, a trek into the wilderness, or time to spiritually prepare for the death and resurrection of Christ. To follow Jesus into the desert for 40 days is a challenge for us. The Lenten season raises many questions for the Faithful as we look to understand, grow, and accept the fulfillment of the mystery of our faith, “Christ was born. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.” As we continue to read and reflect on the path Jesus took to show God’s love for us, today’s read- ings remind us of the promise God made to those who believe. In study- ing the readings and placing them within the context of Lent, I was drawn to consider, “What gives us hope during our Lenten sacrifice to believe in the prophecy?” To find hope and promise, the readings remind us of the new covenant God promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, “All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and re- member their sin no more.” Additionally, the states, “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” These words provide us assurance that if we follow the rule of God as outlined in the Bible and believe in the risen Lord, we will find the promise of Eternal Life. In a time of a global pandemic when it can be difficult to see the light or the possibility of returning to regular routine, Lent offers us an opportunity to be reminded of the commitment God made to those who follow in the way of Jesus. Although Lent can be a time of darkness, we are called to serve as a way of bringing hope and to pursue God’s cove- nant. We can draw our strengths, experiences, and trust in the Lord to know that despite the challenges of the present moment, there is a reas- surance in knowing that if we follow the word of God, we will be saved. How are you using the Lenten season to find hope and promise in a difficult time? Dr. Ken Newbold 31 Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent | March 22, 2021 Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Psalm 23:1-6 John 8:12-20

In today’s reading, Susanna is taken by surprise by two elders who try to use their power to force Susanna to give in to their desires. “I am completely trapped,” Susanna groaned. “If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power. Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord.” When you hear the word “power,” what emotions does that bring up for you? The word has several meanings based in context. The kind of “power over” that is exhibited here- greedy, abusive, controlling, fear- based power. We see this in violence against individuals and oppression of whole communities. There is also “power with,” which comes from peo- ple working collectively toward the common good. For example, when Daniel speaks up for Susanna, holding the elders accountable for their ac- tions, he is using his voice to demand truth and justice. This kind of pow- er expands when it is shared and is based in community values and respect for others. The Rule of St. Benedict 4:62 says, "Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so." The elders in this reading believe they will be listened to be- cause of the power they have over others in the community. What if more leaders built trust by sharing power with others instead of acting on their own selfish desires? How can you engage “power with” in order to work toward the common good? Bernadette Ramsden

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent | March 23, 2021 Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21 John 8:21-30

When we read today’s gospel, we see that Jesus knows who he is and stays authentic even when he is repeatedly questioned. For the rest of us, being authentic can be a lot more difficult. At times, we might act against our true values for temporary pleasure, or we try too hard to please others. One thing we can learn from Jesus is that pleasing others is different from loving them. Jesus came to preach love and he does, but he 32 was a radical. If something went against his beliefs, he stood his ground, even if his life was on the line. Jesus tells those who question him, that he is who he says he is. Are we? Natalia Soja ‘22

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent | March 24, 2021 Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 Daniel 3:52-56 John 8:31-42

It could be the plot of a video game. Your country is attacked. You lose everything when you’re taken captive - family, home, friends, and even your name – everything that is familiar, that you think makes you who you are, is taken from you. You arrive in a strange land, but be- cause you’re strong and a quick study, you impress the people in charge. So, for a captive, you’re treated well. You’re instructed in the language and the ways of this new land because you’re being groomed for a posi- tion of “honor,” serving the very leader who attacked and plundered your homeland. But there is a catch. You have to willingly surrender one more thing that you brought from your old life - your God. You have to wor- ship the leader’s god. And if you refuse - the heat is turned up to con- vince you to submit. But you don’t. And the God you refused to deny sends a friend from your homeland to join you in the fiery furnace. But…whoa and behold! The fire couldn’t singe a single hair on your body; your clothes aren’t even smoky. Most of us won’t be asked to pass through literal fire to prove our faithfulness. But there will be times when the heat of social pressure is turned up to get us to join in, loosen up, back down, look the other way, say nothing. Here’s when we’re tested and when we “test” God to see if God will show up when we’re under fire. But the boys headed for the furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, took it a step further. No matter the outcome, deliverance or death, they decided they would trust God – the same God who had “allowed” their country to be invaded and them to be captured. Neither the hoped for nor the feared outcome de- termined their actions. Maybe their faith was based on the stories they had learned of God’s faithfulness to their ancestors – the same people who’d been delivered from bondage in Egypt, fed for 40 years in the desert, and brought into a land of promise. Just because things didn’t look too prom- ising for them at the moment, they could look back and look ahead. The story was long and it wasn’t finished yet. Just like it wasn’t at Golgotha. Dr. Pat Somers 33 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | March 25, 2021 Genesis 17:3-9 Psalm 105:4-9 John 8:51-59

“And coming to Mary, the angel said, ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God…’ But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply…” [Luke 1:28-30, 34-35]

Today’s gospel reading is the familiar Annunciation story. But I would like to suggest that this time, you try to read it as a conversation. Do not focus on the fact that the angel is announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. Rather, focus on the dialogue between Mary and the angel. Don’t see her first as a mother, or as a woman, but simply as a person. And don’t see the angel as an angel, but as a terrifying stranger. In so doing, can we detect a template for dialogue in this unlikely encounter between a Jewish girl and an unknown guest? Whether you are male or female, put yourself in Mary’s shoes, and think about how she responds in this situation. When the angel first arrives, she does not run away, despite feeling fear (he says “do not be afraid”). Rather, she welcomes him in. She engages in a conversation with him. She has the courage to ask questions when she doesn’t understand. She listens. She reflects on what is happening. She relies on God and consents to God’s plan for her. Indeed, her response to the stranger is worthy of emulation by us all—not just women, but men too. The gift of respectful dialogue is sorely needed in America today, as we seem less and less able to talk to those who are different than us in politics, race, religion. Dear Lord, I pray that I may become more like Mary: not closed up in certainties, but rather, remaining open and available to others, espe- cially to those who are not like me. Dr. Rita George-Tvrtkovic 34 Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent | March 26, 2021 Jeremiah 20:10-13 Psalm 18:2-7 John 10:31-42

Y’all know the classic trope of a devil on one shoulder and the angel on another? That is what this reading is all about. Except instead of an angel is the full power of God. One single devil tempting you or the full power of God? On paper it is an easy choice, yet when push comes to shove the choice is far from easy. We all have those moments when we ask ourselves if we should do the right thing or any other option. Do the right thing. It might be hard or might even hurt a little, but in the end it is the right thing to do. When you do the right thing, you sing praise to the Lord, and He will rescue you. Dominic Senese ‘22 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent | March 27, 2021 Ezekiel 37:21-28 Jeremiah 31:10-13 John 11:45-56

I have a nephew and niece, twins, age 7, with the names of Chris- tian and Cecelia. We were recently together on Christmas Eve. I was seated next to Christian at dinner. Cecelia had earlier prepared all the nametags for each place setting. Think crayon in a 7-year-old’s hand. Very cute. I was looking at Christian’s nametag and found myself doing a double-take. Cecelia (whether on purpose or accidentally—this is still a matter of some contention) had transposed the last two letters in Chris- tian’s name to yield “Christina.” Pretty confident that that hadn’t been noticed, I pointed at the nametag and asked my nephew, “What does that say?” “Christian!” he said loudly and proudly, completely unaware of where I was going with my inquiry. I lowered my voice and my head and in a pseudo-somber tone slowly said, “I don’t think this says what you think it says.” There followed much hilarity around the table, and even Christian was able to laugh at the whole thing. I relay this story because it was the first thing I thought of when reading the Scriptures for today. In the first reading from Ezekiel, all the cards are turned over from the Lord’s hand, and it forms a greatest-hits list of God’s promises to the Jewish people. Restoration of what’s been lost? Check. A homeland of 35 their own? Check. Unity out of dispersion? Check. Moral integrity out of dissolution? Check. An eternal covenant with their creator? Check. De- scendants as far as the eye can see? Check. It’s all here, and it’s all wonder- ful. Exactly those promises and exactly that corporate identity of the Jews forms the backdrop to the Gospel for today. The only named speaker in this passage is Caiaphas, the “high priest for that year.” The concern he addressed was safety of the Jewish people and their possession of the land God gave them as narrated in Ezekiel (and elsewhere). Much is at stake. And much of what was at stake rested on the work and future of one man: Jesus of Nazareth. Earlier in John chapter 11, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. That’s the referent to “what Jesus had done” in the first line of today’s Gospel reading; and it both got him a following and made him exceedingly dangerous for that same reason. Occupying powers desire or- der among all else, and when provoked, they frequently use force to get what they desire among all else. Hence, the complaint that came to Caia- phas, “This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” Caiaphas immediately saw a very simple solution to this problem and proceeded to ridicule those who put it to him by saying “You know nothing.” The solution, he condescendingly unfurled, was to kill Jesus in the name of political expediency, since “it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” The needs of the many outweigh the life of the one--the same trite invitation extended throughout history to all those willing to sacrifice their integrity through captivation by the false idols of some im- agined bottom line of social benefit. And if a scapegoat can be identified to clean up the mess, so much the better. But it’s what he said next after suggesting the capture of Jesus that’s so arresting. “[H]e prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed chil- dren of God.” The text is clear that at that point, Jesus became a marked man. But in this way, Caiaphas backed into acknowledging the salvific reality of Jesus’s death, with a complete lack of understanding about what he was saying (all while criticizing his audience for their ignorance and inciting them to dirty their hands for the true good of the whole). Yes, Jesus would die for others. That’s exactly the point. But, what Caiaphas said doesn’t say what he thinks it says. For those who believe, this ironic and unintended statement of faith in what the death of Jesus meant augurs not the destruction of the covenant and the threat to land given by God 36 only to be taken away by Romans, but rather its fulfillment with the ex- pansion of that covenant now extended to “not only . . . the [Jewish] na- tion” but all “the dispersed children of God.” Dr. Joe Incandela

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion | March 28, 2021 Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 Philemon 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66

Some days there are so many people cheering me on that my life is a parade. Family members lay down their coats for me to cross puddles, and friends save me seats on floats and at dinner tables. But parade crowds scatter at the first sign of bad weather. Just when I’m counting on smiling faces and cheers, I find myself walking home down an empty street. Have you noticed this too? It’s always the coldest afternoons when no one thinks to lend you a coat, the rainiest moments when no one is there to help you brave the puddles. If you’re like me, you often feel like no one is waiting for you to call, no one is picking you first to be on their dodge- ball team of life. Friends can be flighty, and loved-ones can forget to be thoughtful. When Jesus first arrived in Jerusalem, the crowds ran out to meet Him with bright branches and smiles. His friends were enthusiastic about finding Him a place to sit. Many people lent Him their cloaks, laying them down on the road while He passed by. The same people who cheered as He went along are the same people who mock Him as He goes by carrying His cross. It’s during the worst journey of His life when the crowds keep their cloaks on their own shoulders. It is the most painful moment in human history when most of His friends don’t come through. How could people who recognized God for who He was be so unfeeling towards Him now? The next time you feel like the second choice or the last phone call, don’t be afraid to sit in that heartache. It is the same heartache that Christ carried, and it’s the same heartache He carries now, while he waits for us to call on Him. While the crowds may be indifferent towards Him, we will not be. If moments of loneliness or rejection come, we will pick up the heartache and carry it with us on our walk home, knowing that 37 the sunniest and most crowded of parades await us in Heaven. Molly McGraw

Monday of Holy Week | March 29, 2021 Isaiah 42:1-7 Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14 John 12:1-11

What is the point of everything we do? The world tries to teach us to always look out for number 1, that every action should be in our own self-interest. Why can’t we be more like Mary, who in John 12:1-11 acts entirely out of the interest of her Lord and ours, and not her own interest. Yes, this does align with her interests, as she is very fond of Jesus, but listen to the thoughts of Judas in this Gospel. As Mary chooses to anoint Jesus with fancy perfume, she also chooses to not save it for herself, sell it for a profit to feed her family or those in need, or any number of things that could be easily explained by internal benefit for herself or oth- er people. Judas, a righteous apostle of Jesus, does not believe this act of Mary. Why would she do something that does not benefit her own right- eousness, and support the lives of so many other people? It does not make sense. This Lent may have been a challenge in a new way for many peo- ple. While trying to fast in service of God and man, we may lose sight of an ultimate purpose. Our own self is not what matters most. If we only do things that will bring out physical earthly body preservation and happi- ness, then we will leave out the spiritual thirst craved in our relationship with God. Truly, our body will waste away, but our spirit is preserved forever. While we do not abandon our own needs and the needs of other people, take time to be more like Mary, for God is in front of us and we are here to praise Him. As the first reading of Isaiah reads, we are not called to cry out for justice, but to let the will of God lead us to justice. Our own acts can accord with His perfect will to lead ourselves and oth- ers toward God, not our own will. Remember, “God chose you to be an agreement between Him and the people of the world to be a light to those in the dark and bring justice through Him to those who need His peace” (Isaiah 42:1-7). Let us live in the will of God. Not for anyone, not even ourselves, but for God. Our reward was not chosen by us but is chosen by God. It is in His will we follow, and in His will we trust. Robbie Dudzinski ‘22 38 Tuesday of Holy Week | March 30, 2021 Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17 John 13:21-33, 36-38

I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Reading 1).

What is needed now in America is salvation. Salvation from the firm grasp that racism has on our country. Salvation from lies, complacen- cy and hate. Until we find salvation there can be no light, but a shroud of darkness that grows by the day. America cannot be the “Land of the Free” when there is no freedom for those who do not fit the description.

America! I will sing your Salvation! I will sing a tune of equity, equality, love, and justice. I will ask you to listen to every soulful lyric, to feel it. I will sing a song for you to march to, a march towards salvation. I will sing a song for Black Lives because they Matter. I will sing a song that brings about peace, America! I will sing your Salvation! And then ask you to sing along because only as one shall we overcome... Keewaun Stokes ‘21

Wednesday of Holy Week | March 31, 2021 Isaiah 50:4-9A Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Matthew 26:14-25

Passage: Is 50:4-9a “The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear, and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not dis- graced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?” 39 Reflection This message was meant to adhere to the senses and appeal beyond the sense of sound, but also sight and touch. Read through the passage once again, and look for words that appeal to your senses. When I read the passage, I paused at the words, “tongue,” “ear,” “back,” “cheeks,” and “face.” Just as we are granted the gift of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch; using these gifts to strengthen oneself are a necessary part of growth. This passage surrounds itself on the ethical virtue of bravery. Af- ter being humiliated and abused, the servant remained solemn and showed no anger towards those who harmed him. He puts complete trust in God and knows he will never stand alone. Just as it writes, “let us ap- pear together” and “the Lord GOD is my help,” his Faith was put above all else. He realized, just as we all should, that through all obstacles or challenges, God will always defend us. This passage is a “model for all of God's servants what it means to teach and be teachable-- to have the tongue of a teacher, and the ear of a faithful disciple.”1 Anna Dudziak ‘22 1Bevere. (2013, March 18). Being Teachable in Order to Teach: A Lectionary Reflec- tion on Isaiah 50:4-9a. Faith Seeking Understanding. http://www.allanbevere.com/2013/03/being-teachable-in-order-to-teach.html

Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper | April 1, 2021 Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

Tonight we begin the Triduum, the holiest three days of the Christian calendar. Tonight we begin to journey with Jesus through the end of his life. John’s Gospel suggests that Jesus “knew that his hour had come.” He knew that the religious and civil authorities of his day were troubled by his radical ministry, and that there were plots to have him arrested and executed. Let us not spiritualize Jesus’ awareness of what was to come as magical or even divine foresight. We can see prophets in our own mo- ment who are fully aware of the consequences of their actions, and choose to see their mission through. Martin Luther King, Jr., for example, knew of the plots to assassinate him, and said on the night before he died, “Like anybody, I would like to live – a long life; longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will...” 40 Knowing what is to come, how does Jesus choose to spend his last night? He has dinner with his friends. We might imagine the memories of the last three years crossing his mind as he eats with them – the places they have traveled together, the crowds they attracted, the quiet moments they shared in fishing boats and people’s homes. But John’s Gospel doesn’t share this with us. Instead, he shows us Jesus assuming the role that a slave or servant would take, washing the feet of his disciples. We can tell this is a radical role reversal from Peter’s shocked reaction to the gesture. One of Jesus’ very last acts is to demonstrate for his friends and followers that true leadership means self-effacement, humility, and service. “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” So as we begin our journey tonight with Jesus through his darkest hours, let us allow ourselves to be moved and challenged by the radical nature of his love. “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” May Jesus’ loving, humble example on the night before his death stir our hearts, moving us to do likewise with our own time on this earth. Dr. Mary Kate Holman

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion | April 2, 2021 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42

Love on Calvary It was now about the sixth hour and the sun's light failed, so that darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Sanctuary was torn right down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' With these words he breathed his last. Luke 23: 44-46 Good Friday is the Friday within Holy Week, and is a time of and penance, commemorating the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Christ. It is a day of silence and reflecting on the Passion of Christ. Look at Jesus on the cross and feel his love and forgiveness. Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. Jesus endured the pain and suffering of all our sins upon his shoulder. So, let us walk up the hill road to Calvary with Jesus and feel his 41

love at the foot of the cross. Let us hear his forgiveness when said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34) Jesus words to the good thief, “Today, you will be with me in par- adise.” (Luke 23:43) When Jesus said, “I thirst’ (John 19:28), he was simply not talking about water, but spiritual thirst for the love of his Fa- ther. At the end of his pain and suffering, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). “Christ's death is both the Paschal sacrifice that accomplishes the definitive redemption of men and women, through "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," (439 Catechism of the Catholic Church) and the sacrifice of the New Covenant, which restores us to communion with God by reconciling him to God through the "blood of the covenant, which was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (440 CCC) Jesus reigns victorious over sin and death! Let us remember that we too carry our own cross in life and Jesus is walking with us. Jesus death isn’t the final end for him, but a new beginning will happen on the third day. We too will have a new beginning when our earthly life is over.

Good Friday Prayer My Most Glorious and Suffering Lord, it is Your Hour. It is the Hour by which You conquered sin and death. It is the Hour for which You came into this world, taking on flesh so as to offer Your precious life for the salvation of the world. May I be with You, dear Lord, in these moments of suffering and death. May I, like Your Mother, John and Mary Magda- lene, stand at the foot of the Cross, gazing upon the perfect Gift of Love. My suffering Lord, may I see in Your Cross the most perfect act ever known in this world. May I see Love in its most pure form. May my eyes and soul look beyond the blood and pain and see Your Divine Heart, pouring forth Mercy upon me and upon the whole world. Amen Br. Rick Poro, O.S.B. 42 Holy Saturday the | April 3, 2021 Genesis 1:1-2:2 | Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 Genesis 22:1-18 | Psalm 16:5, 8-11 Exodus 14:15-15:1 | Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18 Isaiah 54:5-14 | Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13 Isaiah 55:1-11 | Isaiah 12:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15, 32C4:4 | Psalm 19:8-11 Ezekiel 36:16-28 | Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3-4 Romans 6:3-11 | Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Matthew 28:1-10

I am sent on a journey as I reflect on today’s readings. I note how God’s love is made manifest in the Biblical stories we read, and I note how God’s love has been made manifest in my own Lenten experience. I invite you now, to pause and reflect on your own Lenten journey: What has been your experience with your Lenten prom- ise? Where did you find God during Lent? Name something you felt God calling you to hear or to do. How will you carry this into the Easter sea- son? It has been a heavy Lent, but these readings remind me the tomb is breaking open. Lent is over. Now is the time for me to walk forward with Jesus, renewed and refreshed to love more strongly and more deep- ly. Now, let us pray again with the Psalmist, “Lord, send us your spirit and renew the face of the earth.” Carrie Ankeny 43

The Resurrection of the Lord | April 4, 2021 Acts of the Apostles 10:34A, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-9

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, ap- pears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col 3:1) When the angle spoke to the women at the tomb he tells the women “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Mat 28:5-6) Today we celebrate this miracle of miracles and yet it was certain from the Beginning. Jesus Is Risen, just like he said he would!! And so as He is resurrected, when we come to believing faith in Him, we are raised from the dead with Him! We no longer need to wander this earth look- ing for meaning for our lives, looking for hope in our darkest days look- ing for life to fill our hunger for spiritual connection, we are raised with hum. As the apostle says in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave him- self for me.” We no longer need to set our minds on the flesh, but we can look to the everlasting God for hope and peace. We no longer need to look to earthly things that perish to give us meaning, but Christ gives us meaning!!! He is Risen, Just like He said he would!! Now that we are in Christ, now that we have the power of the resurrection inside of us. Now that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ. Now that greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. Let us take our faith, our power, and our love of Christ that floods our spirit and bring solutions of love and peace and joy to our lives, our families and our communities!!! Dr. Vince Gaddis 44

Thank you to everyone who contributed! A very special thanks to Nida Ali, ’20, who created our beautiful cover art!

Chris Aguilar 8 Jack McGraw 10 Carol Allen 29 Molly McGraw 36 Nicki Anderson 24 Abbot Austin Murphy, O.S.B. 4 Carrie Ankeny 42 Dr. Ken Newbold 30 Dr. J.P. Bradley 5 Br. Rick Poro, O.S.B. 40 Keith Bunkenberg 26 Gianna Pullara 17 Anna Dudziak 38 Monica Ragusa 14 Robbie Dudzinski 37 Bernadette Ramsden 31 Megan Fast 20 Rob Rebman 16 Anna Fisher 24 Dr. Florina Salaghe 25 Cathy Gaddis 22 Xitlali Sanchez 26 Dr. Vince Gaddis 43 Kristian Santiago 4 Dr. Rita George-Tvrtkovic 32 William Scarlato 13 Colleen Hanna 6 Lauren Schuster 15 David Haywood 7 Dominic Senese 34 Dr. Mary Kate Holman 39 Liz Sodaro 18 Dr. Peter Huff 27 Natalia Soja 31 Dr. Joseph Incandela 34 Dr. Pat Somers 32 Nathan Klimisch 12 Keewaun Stokes 38 Dr. Allen Legutki 20 Dr. Martin Tracey 19 Anjali Maliekkal 14 Liz Velez 9 Dr. Lindsey Mao 23 Dr. Beth Vinkler 21 Dr. Tim Marin 16 Dr. Matthew Wiesner 11 Marco Masini 10