New Beginnings by Stephanie Zavala

Thanks to Stephanie Zavala for her reflection on the Christmas’ approach!

Matthew 1:18-24

As Christmas quickly approaches, so does the excitement and joy of spending time with our loved ones, sharing precious smiles and great food. Parents are hard at work in the kitchen, children chase each other up and down the stairs, while the rest of the family gathers around the table ready to celebrate the holiday spirit. For me, Christmas Eve is always filled with anticipation, waiting for my aunts, uncles, and cousins to come to our house with presents and food. Most of the day, I look forward to my family’s company and the little kid in me looks forward to the clock striking 12 so I can open my presents. However, I realize that when I think of Christmas, I don’t only think of it as good food and good company, I think of it as the final holiday of the season, as a way of saying goodbye to the year and finding relief that a stressful year has ended. The minute that the clock strikes 12 is the minute that that the stress ends. The running around that comes with cooking food for everyone and buying last minute presents is finally over, and we can sit and relax as the year comes to a close. This year however, I am challenging myself to think of this holiday differently. After reading about Jesus’ birth, I am challenging myself to think of this season as an opportunity to celebrate life and the opportunity to reinvent myself. I am challenging myself to use the holiday spirit as a guiding tool to remember that each and every day presents to us the chance to better ourselves and give birth to a new life filled with joy, courage, and an enthusiasm to be alive. Christmas is no longer the day to say goodbye to the past, Christmas is the day to say hello to the future.

Beautiful Acts of Joy by Margret Rozko

The following reflection was shared by Margret Rozko, a senior in the Student Leadership and Ministry program. 

Song of Songs 2:8-14

What a great first reading to reflect upon during the Advent season! “My lover speaks and says to me  “Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come!” Everyone knows that Advent is a time of waiting and patience. But what if we were to see the opposite side of the spectrum? What if we were to arise, be beautiful, and come?

Personally, I find Advent to be a time of serene  reflection , patience, and silence. I am challenging myself to go wherever I am called, in an radiant way. My goal is not only to reflect, but to do. I may be called to serve others on the streets during the cold Advent season. Instead of making this season about myself, I can come to those and reach out with a meal, simply through my car window. I am planning on “coming” and reaching out to the underprivileged by volunteering my time on Christmas Eve. My Polish folklore dance group will perform for the homeless during a Christmas Eve meal.

“See! He is standing behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices.” God is watching us at all times and shares in our joy. Let us be excited for the birth of our Lord and share our exuberance not only with loved ones, but also with those who need us to reach out and come to them in a beautiful, but quiet way.

Messengers of God’s Love by Maggie Angel

Thanks to Maggie Angel, one of our great SLAMers, for her witty and thought-provoking blog about the messenger’s of God’s love – the reminder to be those messengers is always important. 

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

            With Christmas so near, we are all caught up in making sure we have the right gifts for family and friends, trying to find a parking spot at the mall, decorating the house, baking cookies, and the list goes on. It’s super easy to get lost in these little details that ironically we can end up being stressed over the happiest and most peaceful time of the year. As cliché as it is, we should remember who is the reason for the season.

In Matthew, the passage is one of the Nativity narratives we hear towards Advents end. The Angel comes to Joseph in a dream, telling him that Mary is the mother of the Messiah. But the main point that stayed with me was when the angel says “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

In the hustle and bustle of prepping for the holidays, let’s take a minute to remember something so powerful that can really comfort us – God is with us. God is with us in many different ways, as Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or through an angel such as in the passage in Matthew.

Angels have always played an important role in my life, and I’m not just talking about my last name. I remember in grade school everyone thought it was the coolest thing ever that angels play a big role in the nativity narrative and my last name was angel. My teachers also thought it was cute to cast me an angel in our Christmas play. My mom has angel statues all over our house. My high school AP Biology teacher always started prayer before class out of her prayer book about angels. For me, they are reminders/messengers of God’s love and comfort. Angels can be all around us, a friend, a family member, that guy who let you go in front of him at the checkout register.

You don’t have to be related to me to be an angel! 🙂 Just feel that God is with us, not just during Advent and Christmas, but every day and spread that love to others. Because isn’t that the Christmas spirit? Spreading love and cheer? And we all know that the “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Breathing New Life by Jessie McDaniel

The following reflection was written by Jessie McDaniel, a senior in SLAM. Thanks for your thoughts, Jessie!

Matthew 1:1-17

Today’s scriptures are the kind that I would skip entirely when I was a kid. My eyes would come to the long lists of names that I couldn’t pronounce for pages and pages and I would pretend like these names didn’t exist or matter. Whenever these names came up during sermons when I was older, I would once again tune them out. I now realize that I felt so disconnected from this part of scripture because I never got an explanation as to why these particular people were important.

Finally, my own belief system gave me an answer. As a believer that God put intention into everything that is and everything that will be, I know these names serve a purpose. The importance of these names is now clear to me. It may not be about the people, but what these people represent. They are the living place of God in the lives of a people displaced and without a home.

The list of ancestors leading up to Jesus is a way to connect our history to our present. When we name our predecessors and acknowledge their trials and triumphs, we also name ourselves as inheritors of that legacy. When we understand more deeply our past, we are better able to give life to the future. Jesus’ lineage is one of struggle and empowerment. It is filled with strong women and men and some women and men who may not have been so great as well. The first part of the reading is a preamble. These names are a window into the lived history of Israel and the kingdom of the Jews of those times. I once heard that the kingdom of god is not elsewhere, but here with all of us. It struck me to think that God’s kingdom is not some untouchable existence. It is right here in the lives we choose to lead.

In Advent we are welcomed to the idea of preparing for God’s arrival in our lives. Every 14 generations God breathed new life into this people who endured despite the odds. I now ask, what are the times that God can breathe new life into us all? And more importantly, are we prepared?

Breaking Routines by Raunel Urquiza

Thanks to Raunel, a current freshman SLAMer for his contribution in this blog.

Matthew 21:23-2

As I write this, the weeks of school go by and we see projects, papers and presentations pass us. It seems that we stress over every single project and throughclasses we lose a sense of reality. We forget why we are going to school, why we pray and why we stay up late studying for the exam the next day.  These things become so routine, that we stop questioning what they mean to us and their effect on us.

Jesus faces the consequences of the routine when he talks to the chief priests and elders in the gospel of Mathew.  They ask him on what authority does he bless, heal, and teach others. The elders don’t know whether to call Jesus a prophet because he is doing all of this in the name of the greater good. His humbleness is part of the reason why he is seen as a prophet by others. Jesus’ vocation is a part of his everyday life – with his goal being sharing his insight with other people.

When we become focused on our routines, we forget what greater purpose we have. We limit ourselves to a piece of paper. This changes the way we think. Instead of looking at the big picture of our greater calling we value ourselves by a paper we did poorly on or a presentation we forgot the lines to. We are bigger than our assignments but we forget that. We get lost in our thoughts.

The way I interpreted the passage is that sometimes people will not see the same reality that we see. Some people see things through a set of filters brought up by social norms that most people are afraid to break or unaware of.  This is where Jesus broke the mold, he did things outside the norm that challenged the thinking of men and women back in the day. This is why I challenge all of you to break out of the routine you create and take a different route to your next class (if you want to start of small). If you want to take bigger steps you can join a club with a friend or start talking to someone that is outside your social circle. We all have the opportunity to start somewhere.

Bless Them with Your Patience by Kayla Jackson

Thanks to Kayla Jackson, a sophomore student leader in University Ministry, for her thoughtful response to today’s readings.

James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

I’m shamelessly sitting in my room listening to what my sister calls my ‘dirty hipster music,’ as I scribble away at my tricky music theory worksheet. The Dirty Projectors’ “Dance for You” fades to a close and, after a moment of silence, the next song emerges from the noiselessness. Lap steel guitar sounds from my speakers, followed by the croons of folk duo First Aid Kit. It is one of my favorites, “Emmylou,” and so I blissfully hum along. When the chorus rolls around, I can’t help but belt the infectious refrain. Now it’s at my favorite line of the song, the first line of the second verse: “Now so much I know that things just don’t grow if you don’t bless them with your patience.” The chorus comes around again, and I’m taken away by the music; before I know it, the song is over. Now the sweet, hushed voices of the Staves control the sound waves. I reluctantly return to my worksheet, and amidst my page of music staffs and key signatures, I began to wonder what drew me to ‘favorite’ lyric in the first place.

Obviously, there is truth in the lyric and I thought maybe that’s what enticed me. Things generally do not grow if you don’t bless them with your patience. This resonated greatly with the first reading which calls us to be patient, James 5:7. Think of farmers and gardeners, and how they must patiently wait if they are ever to receive the healthy crop they so desire. Not only do we bless things with our patience, but people as well. Think of parents, your own parents even, and how patient they have been. They were patient when we were frustrated with ourselves and when we made our mistakes. They were fully aware that, if they were patient, we would grow from our struggles. So, neither things nor people grow if denied the patience of others. On the other hand, you do not grow when you fail to bless others with your patience. When you deny others your patience, you fail to appreciate the growth they are undergoing. Instead of helping them grow, you stunt them. In squandering an opportunity to help others grow, you fail to grow.

Although we live in a society where patience isn’t something we tend to have a lot of, it sure does hold a lot of significance. I guess this is what drew me to my favored verse. Patience truly is a virtue.

Seeing God All Around by Katie Fox

Thanks to Katie Fox, a freshman SLAMer, for the following reflection. 

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

Why is it that so often we need to see to believe? In this scripture Jesus is telling his disciples
that they must wait until his resurrection to reveal his vision of his life, or else people would not
believe them.

When I was first figuring out my faith, having to have “blind” faith was something that I
struggled with. I could never understand that if there was a God, why would there be so much
suffering in the world? I could see God’s absence in these things, but never His presence in the
good. After going on a Confirmation retreat my sophomore year of high school I learned that
seeing God doesn’t just mean being in Church. God can be seen everywhere- in the people we
are blessed to see every day, our families, and our friends, and in all good things that happen.
Seeing God in other people has been one of the most powerful was that I see God in my every
day life. I have been so blessed to meet incredible people with outstanding stories of hope and
healing, and faith. I believe that people that special could only come from God. They help
remind me that God walks beside us always, and that seeing God doesn’t always meaning having
some sort of vision of God or having some sort of monumental event in your life. God can come
in sometimes the most unpredictable, or seemingly small things in life.

To end, I leave you with a poem called “Footprints in the Sand” that reminds us that God is always with us- even -when we cannot see God.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
‘You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?’
The Lord replied,
‘The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.’
-Mary Stevenson

Lighting the Way by Becca Komperda

Becca Komperda, a senior SLAMer, wrote the following reflection. Thanks, Becca! 

Is 48:17-19

Throughout many moments of our lives as well as in scripture, a common lesson taught is to listen to and follow the commandments given by God. However, how many of us can honestly admit to taking this into consideration and having it as a thought while making decisions? One thing we must remember is that no matter what, God will lead us the way we should go. I am not saying he is going to show us a map with directions, nor the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz, but he can lead us the way through his presence in our minds and hearts, helping us discover what we are being called to do.  This path may not always be clear nor will it always be easy but along the way we need to have faith that God will light the way for us.

In the beginning of my first year here at Dominican, I came in with a plan, an agenda and a time line that I was determined to abide by so help me God. Little did I realize that God has his own plan for me.  It was not an easy plan to accept nor was it easy to recognize and let go and let God, but I finally did it. Now that I am a senior I have realized that God has been next to be the whole way, shining a flash light.  I realized that God was the one lighting the way because who else would have?  Although I did not always make time for him nor did, I always listen to him when I heard him in my mind and heart but through it all, I have faith that he was present, because I felt him within me.  God let me make my mistakes and make my own realization but no matter what he helped to veer me back onto the path that is destined for me. As the Lord said in Is 48:17-19, “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go”.

As you go home for break, I would challenge you to think about the God that is with you and guiding your life journey.

God with Us by Hope Gutierrez

Hope Gutierrez is a freshman in the Student Leader and Ministry Program. Thanks for sharing your reflection with us, Hope!

Is 40:25-31

A question that many people ask themselves in a time of sadness or desperation is “Where is God in my time of need?” People often find themselves feeling alone in these times of desperation, but one must keep their faith in God; he is always there, guiding, never overlooking or forgetting any of us.

During such a stressing time of year, many of us will find that we have so much to do with so little time. We will have long and hard days, wondering where we can find God. Many of us will find ourselves exhausted and feeling alone, but we cannot forget that we are not. God will always be there, guiding us and giving us the strength to push forward. Our daily lives will not stop, and neither will God. We must find that God will be here for us even in the darkest of days to shed a light. And in this season, a light of hope.

When we are down and ready to give up, we must find it within ourselves to get back up and keep going. God knows the hardships we are going through during such a busy time of year. We must have faith in God. We know that God’s light and strength is there to guide us. In today’s scripture in Isaiah, it says “Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low; The rugged land shall be a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.” Advent is the time to foster this consciousness and realize that God is always among us. It is in this time that our communities encourage us to focus on the God who is present – in the valleys, on the mountains, atop the hills, in the plains, and the rugged country. Let us be conscious of this and know that God is in the here and now always.

Returning Home by Sara Seweryn

The reflection below was written by Sara Seweryn, a member of the Service and Justice SLAM team. Thank you for your insight, Sara!

Matthew 18:12-14

This passage from Matthew reminds me of many passages from scripture.  Many times Jesus reminds us that God our Father does not want to lose any of us.  Not only in this passage, but in passages like the Prodigal Son we see the Father rejoicing over the return of the lost son or “sheep”.  It is not that God is not happy with his sheep that stayed with Him; he is just also rejoicing to see the return of those lost along the way.

God knows that this life is not easy.  It is only human for us to use our gift of free will to make decisions that make it difficult to be with God.  These decisions may lead us down a long path away from the “flock” or our spiritual community.  As a college student, I know that it is sometimes hard to always do and say the right thing.  I know that during my time in college, I have made many decisions that have led me away from my community and faith.  This does not make you a bad person or a person unworthy of God’s love.  God is our shepherd – always trying to get all of the lost sheep back home to the rest of the flock.  It is important to remember that God will never abandon us, is watching over us, and hoping that we return home soon.

During this Advent season, try to return home to God.  Make amends with parents, friends, and others here on earth.  When I am home for Christmas, I will try to not just be home for the food and shelter, but be actually present and engaged in the joyous moments that are brought about during the holiday season.  This way, returning home will not be just a passive action, but a real return to my family, friends, and most importantly God.  Remember to fill your heart with love this Advent season.