Lenten Reflections
Introduction to the Lenten Reflections
Since its inception, JSerra Catholic High School has dared to set itself apart. As one of the only high schools in the region to conduct a weekly all-school Mass, our identity is totally centered around this spiritual core. Our Wednesday Masses have come to represent a focal point, a hub, and a stake in the ground that keeps our community anchored. Like Peter walking out on the water to meet Jesus, everyone in the school puts down what they're doing for one hour to follow our Lord. Our days can be filled with distractions from our true purpose. Distractions are like waves tempting us to look away in fear. If we only keep our eyes on Jesus, we can walk on water.
During this season of Lent, we invite you to join us in keeping our focus fixed on the Lord. Each Wednesday and every day during Holy Week, we will post a reflection on a Gospel reading, including writings, music, and art pieces from contributors within our community.
Questions?
Contact Director of Campus and Sports Ministry Zach Eckert at zeckert@jserra.org.
Whether you are a student, parent, grandparent, alumni, or friend of the school, may you be inspired this Lent to follow Jesus out into the spiritual waters, and remember to keep your eyes fixed on Him!
Explore the Lenten Reflections
- February 17 - Ash Wednesday
- February 24 - Lent
- March 3 - Lent
- March 10 - Lent
- March 17 - Lent
- March 24 - Lent
- March 28 - Palm Sunday
- March 29 - Holy Monday
- March 30 - Holy Tuesday
- March 31 - Spy Wednesday
- April 1 - Holy Thursday
- April 2 - Good Friday
- April 3 - Holy Saturday
- April 4 - Easter Sunday
February 17 - Ash Wednesday
Gospel Reading: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you pray, go to your inner room,
close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
People often don't look forward to Ash Wednesday or the Lenten season. Childhood memories of giving up candy or sitting through weekly Stations of the Cross come immediately to mind. Words like "sacrifice," "discipline," and "self-denial" are often used in ways that suggest that Lent is something to be endured rather than a time of grace and spiritual growth.
Have you ever thought of Lent as a yearly second chance? Each year the Church gives us six weeks to take a long, loving look at our lives to see if our values and priorities are in line with God's desires for us. Since most of us find that we've wandered from God's path, Lent becomes that second chance, or do-over, to "return to God with our whole heart."
I know a father that told me that he had urged his children to move beyond giving up candy to giving up some habit of sin that marked their lives. About halfway through Lent he asked the children how they were doing with their Lenten promise. One of his young sons had promised to give up fighting with his brothers and sisters during Lent. When his father asked him how it was going, the boy replied, "I'm doing pretty good, Dad — but boy, I can't wait until Easter!"
That response indicates that this boy had only partly understood the purpose of Lenten "giving up." Lent is about conversion, turning our lives more completely over to Christ and his way of life. That always involves giving up sin in some form. The goal is not just to abstain from sin for the duration of Lent but to root sin out of our lives forever. Conversion means leaving behind an old way of living and acting in order to embrace a new life in Christ. May you have a spiritually fruitful and joyful Lent of 2021, and please be assured of my prayers for everyone in the Jserra community as I will remember you at the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
- Fr. Damien Giap
Norbertine Priest & Chaplain
About Fr. Damien
Fr. Damien is currently the Rector at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School in Costa Mesa, where he is responsible for the spiritual formation of the students, families, teachers, and staff. Previously, he was JSerra’s Chaplain for 11 years, beginning in 2007. He still maintains a close relationship within our community and is beloved by students, parents, staff, and alumni.
Musical Reflection: "Again"
Written by Jon Foreman
Performed by Jonathan Telles
About Jonathan Telles
Since joining JSerra in 2011, Mr. Telles has taught English and Religion. He is also the Music Minister for Wednesday Masses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, with a minor in Theology, from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. Mr. Telles approaches teaching literature as an opportunity for students to explore humanity’s most profound experiences in order to better comprehend the consummate but mysterious Answer given to us in Christ. He also enjoys indie rock music, art house films, and the occasional photography excursion.
February 24 - Lent
Gospel Reading: LK 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
"This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
As last year came to an end, I posted on Instagram about how hard the last half of that year had been for me, as I know most of you can relate. My mental health was quivering like it had never done before, and not being able to interact with others or see my family brought me to a point in my life where I considered myself depressed. However, as I reflected on my struggle and spoke with friends and family about it, I realized that the root of my problem was not isolation or a teenage stage that I had not been through yet – it was unbelief. See, my life has had its periods of trials – between surgeries and moving to another country – when my faith in God was tested by fire, and anyone would have had the right to feel anxious or depressed. However, mentally, those instances went fine because I truly entrusted myself to God. This time was different. I was going through another trial, but what made it the hardest was that I doubted that God could get me through it; I even doubted that He was really there, so I felt like I was by myself.
When I posted my reflection, a fellow student, Mariclare Coffin (coincidentally, the one singing today's musical reflection) told me how she related. I then shared with her my true thoughts. I told her: "If Jesus is there, this is the moment for Him to truly save." What she said to me in response shook my heart: "He has already saved and will not abandon his promises!" He has already saved!
For the Gospel of today, we know by the account in Matthew that the Pharisees were the ones asking Jesus for a sign. You may ask what is the problem with that, right? Well, the problem is that Jesus had been performing all types of miracles, and they had seen them, nonetheless they refused to believe. Jesus called them evil because of their unbelief and contrasted them with the Ninevites, who only heard Jonah preach, and they all repented in sack cloth and ashes; he compared them with the queen of the South, who only heard about Solomon's wisdom, but that was enough for her to travel all the way from Sheba to listen. No signs, only faith.
Now, I know that unlike the Pharisees, many of us have already believed in Christ.
However, during this time of reflection, let us repent from our pride of unbelief in any area and put our trust in the greatest sign of God's love, the sign of Jonah, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us; that when we are weak, Jesus has already saved us.
- Nathan James Mata '22
About nathan james mata '22
Nathan is a Junior at JSerra and was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. He has two loving parents and one younger sister. With his dad as his coach, Nathan has played basketball since he was 8. Now he plays for JSerra under the direction of Head Coach Keith Wilkinson. He also has an incredible faith life. He is a member of Campus Ministry’s TNL Core Team that leads fellow students every Tuesday night, and he initiated his own weekly Bible study for friends on campus. He loves to spend time with family and people, and is thrilled to be a part of the JSerra community!
Musical Reflection: "When I Lock Eyes With You"
Written by Maverick City Music
Performed by Mariclare Coffin
About Mariclare coffin '20
Mariclare graduated from JSerra in 2020 and is now a freshman at Franciscan University of Steubenville. While in high school, she was a member of the Choir, Music Ministry at all-school Mass, Campus Ministry retreat program, and Caritas Christi. She has one sister, Sophie, who is a sophomore at JSerra who she thinks is pretty cool. Now in college, Mariclare is enjoying making new friends, camping, getting used to snow days, and still sings every week at Mass.
March 3 - Lent
Gospel: Mt 20:17-28
As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem,
he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves,
and said to them on the way,
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem,
and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests
and the scribes,
and they will condemn him to death,
and hand him over to the Gentiles
to be mocked and scourged and crucified,
and he will be raised on the third day."
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her, "What do you wish?"
She answered him,
"Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
Jesus said in reply,
"You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?"
They said to him, "We can."
He replied,
"My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left,
this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."
When the ten heard this,
they became indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus summoned them and said,
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
Since Jesus was such a popular teacher and preacher, where crowds constantly followed him so closely he and his Apostles sometimes did not even have time to eat (sound like our lives?), perhaps this was their guaranteed "alone" time with Jesus as a group. Perhaps that time on the road was the best time he could teach the Apostles about the things that are close to his heart.
The Gospels record Jesus telling those closest to him about his Passion and death on multiple occasions. He told them exactly what was coming. Like a good teacher, he was preparing his pupils for the difficulties he knew they would encounter. But who wants to believe that the person you are seeing raise the dead, multiply bread, and cure lepers and demoniacs with the touch of a hand or a word, is going to die a cruel, tortuous death? It must have seemed impossible that the Lord they had come to trust was going to be so quickly cut down in his prime.
This passage does not record the Apostles reaction. Instead, Matthew reports an episode that brings to light more of what Jesus' followers were really thinking about: power. Wanting to be a strong lobbist for her own two sons, James and John's mother asks Jesus to make them the most powerful men in his kingdom. Even though he makes it clear that position will not determine power in his kingdom, he puts James and John to a question anyway: can they take the suffering that he will endure?
Inside this privileged group, Jesus was building the "upside down kingdom." In this kingdom, one grows up to become a child; one loses one's life to gain it; and leaders humble themselves in order to serve their subjects. Jesus' thinking seems to be opposite of his Apostles. It's no wonder that no one understood him, and he had so few friends.
Although James and John seem inappropriately ambitious prior to Jesus' death, they are in fact the leaders of the Church after Jesus' ascension, with Peter as the head. James as head of the Church in Jerusalem will be the first Apostle to give his life, being beheaded by the occupying Romans. John will be the last to die, the only Apostle who witnessed firsthand Jesus' crucifixion, and the only Apostle not to be martyred.
The reality of Jesus' Passion and death re-orders these two Apostle's ambitions. Seeing and witnessing Jesus' public ministry taught them to turn their ambitions upside down, that one may get them right side up for God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to reorder your ambitions so that you, too, will be prepared for the joys and sufferings that come with winning entry to the "upside down kingdom."
- Sr. Maria Catherine, O.P.
About Sr. Maria Catherine
Sr. Maria Catherine, O.P. is from the great state of Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she worked in various industries but mainly banking and administration before entering the convent. Sister has traveled widely and has been one of a few representatives of her community on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is a published author in the Catholic San Francisco, The Imaginative Conservative, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. She loves teaching English and Theology and continues to be grateful for the opportunity to study Aquinas at Ave Maria University. She is currently teaching English at JSerra.
Musical Reflection: "The Greatest Prize"
Written by Andrew Laubacher
Performed by Andrew Laubacher
About Andrew Laubacher
Andrew is a current seminarian for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. After graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Andrew served as a Campus Minister and Worship Leader at JSerra. He spent many years traveling the country as a speaker and worship leader for youth and young adult conferences, ministering to thousands of people every year. He also wrote and produced his own worship music, which can be listened to on Apple Music and Spotify under his nickname, ALOB. Now in seminary in Camarillo, CA, Andrew is enjoying his time of formation, surfing, and spending time with family in Ventura. He is passionate to bring the sacraments to the people of southern California, and is committed to praying for everyone in the JSerra community.
March 10 - Lent
Gospel Reading: MT 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
The Truth Will Set You Free
What is enslaving you?
What is preventing your complete and trustful surrender to the will of Our Lord?
Oftentimes, we tend to view the law and the commandments as restraints to our human freedom. How often do we think of them as a compass towards what is good, true, and beautiful? For these guidelines were not put into place to limit human potential, but rather as a way of orienting the desires of the human heart towards what is truly good. All this, ultimately allows man to flourish as God intended. For when our will and the will of Our Lord becomes one, we experience the freedom to unreservedly become the best version of ourselves.
There is no greater glory that can be brought to Our Lord than by willfully fulfilling that which He has deemed so. Christ commands us to live the fulfilled law in order that we may experience this true sense of freedom. When we pursue His will, Christ is able to liberate us from the slavery of sin which we find ourselves in. However, it must be noted that true freedom encompasses a fight that must be endured in order to maintain it. For this reason, we must always be vigilant in the face of temptation and complacency through constant prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This season of Lent becomes a new opportunity to delve into this intimate relationship that Our Lord is calling each of us to.
Lastly, since love is the root of our faith, our calling to evangelize to others with our lives and words, becomes evermore pressing. For authentic love of our neighbor pushes us to deeply yearn that they too may share in this freedom. How could we not desire this for all of mankind?
So my brothers and sisters, don't you desire this freedom from sin and fear? When will you set your heart free?
- Aileen Casillas '17
About Aileen Casillas '17
Aileen is a JSerra alumna from the Class of 2017. She is currently a senior at Franciscan University of Steubenville majoring in theology, philosophy, and experimental psychology. In her free time, she enjoys befriending religious Sisters, debating her college professors, and reading.
During her time at JSerra, she was heavily involved in multiple extracurriculars, but in particular favored the following performing arts: dance, theatre and orchestra. The two things she misses the most from her JSerra days are the snow days under the warm California sun and daily mass in the school chapel with the Norbertine Fathers.
Musical Reflection: "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"
Written by John Rutter
Performed by JSerra Choir
About JSerra Choir
JSerra's Choral Music program has performed for audiences around the world, including Spain, Italy, and Carnegie Hall. The choral program puts on four large annual concerts, regularly competes in prestigious festivals and competitions, and performs in a variety of events for the JSerra and larger Orange County community. Our most competitive choirs — Chamber Choir and Advanced Women’s Ensemble — are open by audition while Concert Choir provides an opportunity for any interested student to learn to sing in a group setting.
March 17 - Lent
Gospel: jn 5:17-30
Jesus answered the Jews:
"My Father is at work until now, so I am at work."
For this reason they tried all the more to kill him,
because he not only broke the sabbath
but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
Jesus answered and said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own,
but only what he sees the Father doing;
for what he does, the Son will do also.
For the Father loves the Son
and shows him everything that he himself does,
and he will show him greater works than these,
so that you may be amazed.
For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life,
so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes.
Nor does the Father judge anyone,
but he has given all judgment to the Son,
so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
Whoever does not honor the Son
does not honor the Father who sent him.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word
and believes in the one who sent me
has eternal life and will not come to condemnation,
but has passed from death to life.
Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here
when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and those who hear will live.
For just as the Father has life in himself,
so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself.
And he gave him power to exercise judgment,
because he is the Son of Man.
Do not be amazed at this,
because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs
will hear his voice and will come out,
those who have done good deeds
to the resurrection of life,
but those who have done wicked deeds
to the resurrection of condemnation.
"I cannot do anything on my own;
I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just,
because I do not seek my own will
but the will of the one who sent me."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
Early in John's Gospel, John shares something that Jesus speaks of often — that He has come to do the will of His Father in heaven. By modeling His obedience to the Father, he does perfectly everything that is asked of Him. More than that, he shares why exactly we must become like little children to enter eternal life, because "a son cannot do anything on his own." That's me, a son of the Father most high.
In this wild past 12 months, I have still yet to realize how little I can do on my own. Back in March 2020, I clearly remember a phone conversation I was having with a friend reflecting on the realization that churches might not be open for Easter Vigil. What we concluded was how COVID created the greatest opportunity to fast from literally everything that Lent. We joked, but with all seriousness we considered it to be what God forced us all to give up for Lent: control. Control over where we eat, when we can shop, when we can leave our houses, visit relatives, bury our dead and we all know this list goes on and on. But this fast from control didn't end when last Lent ended. It continued as we came face to face with all the areas of our life we still couldn't bear giving up control over.
Fast forward to now, and we are in Lent yet again, still amidst a global pandemic, and control is something we have little of. But what I have been made aware of recently is the pride I have in my control. Still thinking I can do so much on my own. Through this, thinking that I don't need God. Thinking that I have what it takes of my own will and strength. That like the Prodigal Son I can earn my way to grace. But I can't and I don't have what it takes. I can do nothing compared to the God of the universe who holds all in balance, and I think I have control? But like Eve in the Garden of Eden, I don't trust that God wants the best for me. I don't think He has my greatest good in mind. I don't think He is a Good Father. I don't trust Him. So, I try to do it all myself. Pull myself up by my bootstraps, right? I believe the lies of the world that I can be anything I want, I can do anything I set my mind to. But there is something massive that I cannot do.
I cannot repay the debt. I cannot repay the debt so large that even working for 10 life's wages wouldn't be enough. I cannot fix or remove any stain of Sin. There is nothing I can do to repair the brokenness my sins have created. The sin that made an unsurmountable chasm between mankind and his Creator. A chasm I could never climb out of. There is hope, Jesus was promised to do what man could never do – what I could never do – to "destroy sin and restore divine sonship." Through Him "we might once again be called, and really be the children of God" (1 John 3:1).
So here I find myself, stealing the grace from the Father and make it out to be my own works. Forgetting still, "I cannot do anything on my own." It's something I am working on. Giving up control and giving glory to God in all things. To praise Him, to serve Him, to reverence Him. Allow me to be like a child Lord, totally dependent on my good and faithful Father.
Make me little Lord, strip me of all the false self I have made. Allow me through the Eucharist to be transformed and truly made like your Son.
- Zach Fiedler '16
About Zach Fiedler '16
After graduating from JSerra in 2016, Zach Fiedler went off to Southern Methodist University to pursue a degree in Marketing. While at SMU, Zach enrolled in RCIA and was confirmed in the Catholic Church — a journey that began on his Kairos retreat at JSerra. This past June, he began a full-time position as a missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). He serves at the University of Southern California where he leads bible studies, mentors young men, as well as accompanies students to conferences and on mission trips — all for the sake of sharing the Gospel with students. Zach shares that JSerra has prepared him for this next step in many ways, "but most of all by laying the foundation for [his] faith and ultimately launching a desire to share Christ with others."
Musical Reflection: "White as Snow"
Written by Jon Foreman
Performed by Jonathan Telles
About Jonathan Telles
Since joining JSerra in 2011, Mr. Telles has taught English and Religion. He is also the Music Minister for Wednesday Masses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, with a minor in Theology, from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. Mr. Telles approaches teaching literature as an opportunity for students to explore humanity’s most profound experiences in order to better comprehend the consummate but mysterious Answer given to us in Christ. He also enjoys indie rock music, art house films, and the occasional photography excursion.
March 24 - Lent
First Reading: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
King Nebuchadnezzar said:
"Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
that you will not serve my god,
or worship the golden statue that I set up?
Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made,
whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet,
flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe,
and all the other musical instruments;
otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace;
and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar,
"There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you
in this matter.
If our God, whom we serve,
can save us from the white-hot furnace
and from your hands, O king, may he save us!
But even if he will not, know, O king,
that we will not serve your god
or worship the golden statue that you set up."
King Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage
against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual
and had some of the strongest men in his army
bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
and cast them into the white-hot furnace.
Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles,
"Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?"
"Assuredly, O king," they answered.
"But," he replied, "I see four men unfettered and unhurt,
walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God."
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed,
"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him;
they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies
rather than serve or worship any god
except their own God."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
I remember waking up in the middle of the night to the most particularly pungent woodsy smell. My college buddies and I had all just traveled from our respective corners of the country to celebrate Kevin's birthday in the mountains near Winter Park, CO. We were so tired and so cold. We flipped on the heat and fell asleep at our cabin rental with excitement for a weekend of hitting the slopes. Then it happened. The smell in my nostrils. The flashlight from my cell phone that revealed a thick black cloud of smoke filling up our room. It was a fire. A fast fire. We jumped out of bed and ran out into the cold snowy air gasping for oxygen. We huddled inside the little granny flat in the side yard and watched our rental go up in flames. Turns out the switch we thought was for the heat was actually for the sauna next to our bedroom. Furthermore, that sauna had been stuffed with blankets and pillows by previous renters. Go figure. It was a haystack waiting to burn.
We made it out within inches of losing our lives. We were dumbfounded, shaken to our cores, and practically high on life. I flew home to California with a new perspective: Life is precious and I must live it well! Isn't this so difficult to remember? We all have sufferings in our lives. There are things that occur in life that we are often not prepared for. Sometimes it's literal fires, but more often, it's figurative fires. One could say, "How could a good God allow this bad thing to happen?" It is true that following Jesus does not make our life perfect. Yet it does make a difference. When we put Jesus at the center of our life, we can live confidently that there is another in the fire. Specifically, Jesus stands with us in our fires. Sometimes to rescue us, sometimes to show us the way out, and sometimes just so we know we aren't alone. If God calls me to live a life of greatness for His glory, then that is what He deserves from me. If I am called to be a saint, then that is what I will spend the rest of my life doing!
- Zach Eckert
About Zach Eckert
Mr. Eckert has served in Campus Ministry at JSerra for eight years. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and has accumulated over fifteen years of experience in Catholic mission and education. He met his wife, Sarah, while working together in the Theology Department and now has one two-year old son, Jack. Kairos retreats continue to be some of his most favorite memories over the years, and he loves keeping in touch with alumni. His proudest achievement at JSerra is being awarded the Staff Person of the Year in 2020 by his colleagues.
Musical Reflection: "My Song is Love Unknown"
Written by Samuel Crossman
Performed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary
About the Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization. They seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture. Beginning with four foundresses, the community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. The Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. JSerra is blessed to have four Sisters teaching in the Theology, Science, History, and English departments!
March 28 - Palm Sunday
Gospel: MK 15:1-39
As soon as morning came,
the chief priests with the elders and the scribes,
that is, the whole Sanhedrin held a council.
They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
Pilate questioned him,
"Are you the king of the Jews?"
He said to him in reply, "You say so."
The chief priests accused him of many things.
Again Pilate questioned him,
"Have you no answer?
See how many things they accuse you of."
Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them
one prisoner whom they requested.
A man called Barabbas was then in prison
along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion.
The crowd came forward and began to ask him
to do for them as he was accustomed.
Pilate answered,
"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?"
For he knew that it was out of envy
that the chief priests had handed him over.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd
to have him release Barabbas for them instead.
Pilate again said to them in reply,
"Then what do you want me to do
with the man you call the king of the Jews?"
They shouted again, "Crucify him."
Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?"
They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him."
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd,
released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged,
handed him over to be crucified.
The soldiers led him away inside the palace,
that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort.
They clothed him in purple and,
weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him.
They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him.
They knelt before him in homage.
And when they had mocked him,
they stripped him of the purple cloak,
dressed him in his own clothes,
and led him out to crucify him.
They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon,
a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country,
the father of Alexander and Rufus,
to carry his cross.
They brought him to the place of Golgotha
—which is translated Place of the Skull —
They gave him wine drugged with myrrh,
but he did not take it.
Then they crucified him and divided his garments
by casting lots for them to see what each should take.
It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him.
The inscription of the charge against him read,
"The King of the Jews."
With him they crucified two revolutionaries,
one on his right and one on his left.
Those passing by reviled him,
shaking their heads and saying,
"Aha! You who would destroy the temple
and rebuild it in three days,
save yourself by coming down from the cross."
Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes,
mocked him among themselves and said,
"He saved others; he cannot save himself.
Let the Christ, the King of Israel,
come down now from the cross
that we may see and believe."
Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.
At noon darkness came over the whole land
until three in the afternoon.
And at three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?"
which is translated,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Some of the bystanders who heard it said,
"Look, he is calling Elijah."
One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed
and gave it to him to drink saying,
"Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down."
Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.
Here all kneel and pause for a short time.
The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.
When the centurion who stood facing him
saw how he breathed his last he said,
"Truly this man was the Son of God!"
WRITTEN REFLECTION
"If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
By the time I was 19 years old I'd already been accepted into pharmacy. I was living with great roommates, doing well academically, and just plain having fun. With all the autonomy I enjoyed, I felt free. I could do what I wanted when I wanted. Nobody was keeping track or watching over me.
And yet there was something missing. Why wasn't my heart satisfied? Hadn't I finally got to where I wanted to be? All my plans were coming to fruition, but they seemed empty now.
I made the decision to start praying for five minutes a day. This was surely through the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit, though I wouldn't have recognized it was Him. It is hard to articulate the transformation that occurred in me. The veil was lifted from my eyes and I could see clearly. In the depths of my being, I now knew that our Lord Jesus Christ died for me, that I was loved by Him, and that He alone would satisfy my heart. I was profoundly struck by the truth of Christ's love. My greatest desire became to give myself to Him as a consecrated religious.
Looking back on my early college years, I can see that despite appearances, I wasn't free. I was caught in my own selfishness, sin, and bad habits. I did not know God's love and I did not know the purpose of my life. True freedom is knowing the good and doing it. True freedom is life in the Trinity.
Although the Lord has transformed my heart, His work is not yet done! There are still areas of attachment, and bondage, and sin. But through Mass, adoration, prayer, and confession, the Lord heals, restores, renews, and transforms. He is bringing me deeper into His truth and into greater freedom.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to know You more in my life.
Show Yourself to me.
Bring me more fully into the Truth.
Enlighten my mind, speak to my heart.
Heal me, restore me, renew me, transform me.
Set me free to love You with all my heart, mind, and soul.
- Sr. Miriam
About Sr. Miriam
Sr. Miriam grew up in Western Canada and obtained her pharmacy degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Although she enjoyed the profession of pharmacy, she discerned that the Lord was calling her to the religious life. She entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in 2006. As a Sister she studied at Eastern Michigan University to complete her education certification in Biology and Chemistry. Shortly afterwards she obtained a Masters in Philosophy at the Catholic University of America.
Sr. Miriam has been blessed to live and teach in cities across the United States. She spent several years teaching chemistry at Marin Catholic college prep in northern California, and taught theology and AP biology at St. Michael the Archangel in Missouri.
Musical Reflection: "Total Praise"
Written by Richard Smallwood
Performed by JSerra Choir
About JSerra Choir
JSerra's Choral Music program has performed for audiences around the world, including Spain, Italy, and Carnegie Hall. The choral program puts on four large annual concerts, regularly competes in prestigious festivals and competitions, and performs in a variety of events for the JSerra and larger Orange County community. Our most competitive choirs — Chamber Choir and Advanced Women’s Ensemble — are open by audition while Concert Choir provides an opportunity for any interested student to learn to sing in a group setting.
Art Reflection
About Bradford Smith
Bradford Smith is a fine artist and currently teaches the Drawing & Painting classes at JSerra Catholic High School. Raised Catholic, he finds a deep reverence for creating art around religious themes. He has studied and traveled extensively throughout Europe visiting every cathedral and church he possibly could to inspire his work. Prior to teaching, he worked as a commercial artist designing toys and packaging for companies such as Burger King, Crayola,Kellogg's and Kohl's.
Born in Long Beach, he studied art at Cal State Fullerton and then received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Laguna College of Art and Design. Laguna Beach and the surrounding areas have inspired him to pursue plein air painting in the style of the California Impressionist. He recently designed the tiles for the meditation stations at the House of Prayer for Priests here in Orange County. When speaking about his work he says, "I aim to evoke the mood and emotions that I witness in most religious art. I look closely at how the illuminated manuscripts are an example of pure devotion to God. In creating my work, I also find it to be a meditative and transcendental process."
March 29 - Holy Monday
Gospel: Jn 12:1-11
Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany,
where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served,
while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil
made from genuine aromatic nard
and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair;
the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples,
and the one who would betray him, said,
"Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages
and given to the poor?"
He said this not because he cared about the poor
but because he was a thief and held the money bag
and used to steal the contributions.
So Jesus said, "Leave her alone.
Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came,
not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus,
whom he had raised from the dead.
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
because many of the Jews were turning away
and believing in Jesus because of him.
WRITTEN REFLECTION
Holy Week is here! How beautiful that as this week begins, the Gospel reading takes us not yet to the sorrow of Gethsemane or Calvary, but instead to a dinner party.
This setting is one that is familiar to most of us! Think for a moment of special evenings you have had with family and friends. What comes to mind? For me, I instantly picture my mom preparing dinner and laughing with her friends, while I can see my dad grilling steaks on the patio and shooting the breeze with anyone who wanders outdoors. I remember as a child I loved to go through each room in the house to see the different groups of family and friends that had formed. Yet when the meal was ready, we all gathered around to celebrate whoever was the guest of honor — commemorating a birthday, an anniversary, or a graduation.
Here Jesus has come again to the home of close friends who are hosting a dinner in his honor. The last time Jesus was in Bethany, He had raised Lazarus from the dead! Now the two of them are conversing once more. Again Martha is serving (probably more cheerfully than before!) and Mary is once again at the feet of Jesus, this time performing a seemingly extravagant gesture of affection by anointing His feet with nard. We are told a delightful aroma spreads through the house — possibly signaling everyone to gather around the guest of honor. The meal is ready! Then from the corner of the room comes a rude inquiry, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?
The moment is spoiled. Judas — the apostle-traitor, the almoner-thief — cannot keep the rancor from his voice when he asks this question thinly-veiled as concern for the poor. Imagine the embarrassment that settles among the guests as the price tag of Mary's gift is declared to the whole party! In his reply to Judas, Jesus rebukes him in defense of Mary, once again asserting she has done the right thing. Why chide her when she recognizes that her days with Jesus are numbered?
For here lies the heart of today's Gospel. By mentioning his burial, Jesus is gently hinting to those closest to Him of his approaching passion and death. Eventually the evening will end, the guests will return home, and Jesus will head with his disciples towards Jerusalem. The time has come for Him to fulfill His greatest mission of redemption. During Holy Week, the Church invites us too to accompany Jesus on this journey. Perhaps an interesting meditation today would be to ponder, "Where would I have been at this dinner?" But more importantly, as Holy Week begins, let us ask ourselves, "Are we ready to follow Him?"
- Sr. John Michael, O.P.
About Sr. John Michael, O.P.
Sr. John Michael, O.P. has been a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist for eight years. She grew up outside of Kansas City, MO, and entered religious life upon graduating from high school. Several years ago she was blessed to work closely with her community's vocation director, and has spoken across the country about the religious life and vocational discernment.
Sr. John Michael received a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, History/Geography from Eastern Michigan University. She has taught high school in Michigan and, most recently, in Houston, TX. This year she is thrilled to be teaching CP U.S. History and CP World History at JSerra.
Outside of the classroom, Sr. John Michael enjoys playing the guitar and piano, singing, playing sports, and spending time outdoors.
Musical Reflection: "You Speak"
Written by Audrey Assad
Performed by Nini Guerry
About Nini Guerry '20
Nini Guerry is the last of four Guerry children that attended JSerra, herself graduating in 2020. She is now a freshman at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studying drama with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Although she is currently in California taking online classes, she is so excited to move to New York City in the fall. While at JSerra, Nini was involved in Theatre, Choir, and Campus Ministry. She looks back fondly on her wonderful and faith-filled memories at JSerra.
Art Reflection
About Catherine Cadieux '24
Catherine Cadieux is a freshman at JSerra CatholicHigh School who is concurrently in the Arts Magnet and Business Magnet programs. In her free time, Catherine participates on the Jserra Cross Country Team. Outside of school she is a competitive rock climber and is also interested in photography.
Her artwork for the Lenten Reflections centers around the gospel of John 12:1-11. In this work of art, Catherine explains, "I chose more dull colors to make it seem as if it was in a later time period. In the Gospel, Jesus' feet were washed with oil so I put a jug of oil on the table and it's labeled "oil" in Aramaic, which is the language Jesus spoke in that time period. I put soup and bread on the table which is also mentioned in this Gospel reading. Oftentimes Jesus is related to light because he is the light of our lives so I included a candle to light the dark room. I enjoyed making this painting and I am really happy with how it turned out. Thank you!"
March 30 - Holy Tuesday
Gospel: JN 13:21-33, 36-38
Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified,
"Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved,
was reclining at Jesus' side.
So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.
He leaned back against Jesus' chest and said to him,
"Master, who is it?"
Jesus answered,
"It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it."
So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas,
son of Simon the Iscariot.
After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him.
So Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.
Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,
"Buy what we need for the feast,"
or to give something to the poor.
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, Jesus said,
"Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself,
and he will glorify him at once.
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
You will look for me, and as I told the Jews,
'Where I go you cannot come,' so now I say it to you."
Simon Peter said to him, "Master, where are you going?"
Jesus answered him,
"Where I am going, you cannot follow me now,
though you will follow later."
Peter said to him,
"Master, why can I not follow you now?
I will lay down my life for you."
Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me?
Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow
before you deny me three times."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
When was the last time someone consoled your heart? Perhaps it was a quiet, knowing gaze; that quick but firm "We've got this" kind of hand-squeeze; an unexpected word of thanks; an even more unexpected word of raw, voice-trembling apology – all resulting in the keen sense that you were seen and loved . . . and that somehow this made things better than before.
In today's Gospel, we get up close and personal with the heart of Jesus. This heart is "deeply troubled" as Jesus reclines at the Last Supper surrounded by a willing traitor, impending death, and the lonely realization that none of His closest friends in the room understand what is about to happen. "One of you will betray me."
And yet that lonely heart is not quite alone. Peter tips off John. John leans in against Jesus' heart. "Master, who is it?" How the love behind that nod and that whispered question must have softened, at least for a moment, the edge of His agony.
Whose heart do I need to console today? Could my gaze, my hand, my gratitude – even that apology that can never quite seem to climb its way out of my throat – make things better today for a heart that is feeling a splinter of what our Lord's heart felt that night?
- Sr. Miriam
About Sr. Mary Esther
Sr. Mary Esther taught Theology at two Catholic high schools prior to joining the faculty at JSerra — one in Des Moines, IA and most recently in Peoria, IL. Seven years ago (in between those two positions), she discerned a call to religious life and joined the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, a religious community based in Ann Arbor, MI.
Sr. Mary Esther grew up in Des Moines and is the third of seven children. One of her brothers was recently ordained a priest for the Diocese of Des Moines. She participated in softball, basketball, and track during middle school and ran cross country in high school. She sang in the choir, play the flute, and was involved in band all the way through college. In her spare time, Sr. Mary Esther enjoys chatting with her Sisters, baking, letter writing, and hiking.
Musical Reflection: "Anima Christi"
Written by Marco Frisina
Performed by Dominican Sisters of Mary
About the Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization. They seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture. Beginning with four foundresses, the community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. The Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. JSerra is blessed to have four Sisters teaching in the Theology, Science, History, and English departments!
Art Reflection
About Dana Walsh '24
Class of 2024's Dana Walsh moved to Southern California last year after having grown up in Northern California. She enjoys spending time with her younger brother and dog. She has always attended Catholic schools and loves lent!
Regarding her art piece, she explains, "I wanted to capture the passage with a modern spin. I used colored pencils and paint markers as well as old magazines to make this collage. I think the bright colors are my favorite because it ties in a youthful look with something timeless."
March 31 - Spy Wednesday
Gospel: Mt 26:14-25
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said,
"What are you willing to give me
if I hand him over to you?"
They paid him thirty pieces of silver,
and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Where do you want us to prepare
for you to eat the Passover?"
He said,
"Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,
'The teacher says, My appointed time draws near;
in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."'
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,
and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening,
he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said,
"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
Deeply distressed at this,
they began to say to him one after another,
"Surely it is not I, Lord?"
He said in reply,
"He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me
is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,
but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.
It would be better for that man if he had never been born."
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,
"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"
He answered, "You have said so."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
Betrayal is the stuff of drama.
You name any great movie or novel or Netflix binge, and I betcha that at dead center our protagonist is hanging on to the precipice's edge of gut-wrenching betrayal. And the antagonist — oh my goodness! — what a completely selfish, narcissistic jerk! I hate that guy.
The truth is...I love that guy. Writing a good villain takes some talent. Who knew that Peter Pettigrew could be so spineless? Or Edmund Pevensie would give up his siblings for a promise of Turkish delights? Iago was a known backstabber from the beginning. No Mission Impossible movie would be complete without the balding, thin-lipped, Eastern-European-accented betrayer lurking in the shadows. And, of course, the most legendary betrayer of all time: "Et tu, Brute?" Betrayal makes great fiction. And I love fiction.
Except when it's not fiction. Except when I'm the betrayer.
I find the most poignant line of Matthew's gospel on this Spy Wednesday is the repetition of that question which echoes in quiet pause: "Surely it is not I, Lord?" The question is asked twice and identically, but by two different suspects, each intimating something quite different.
When the disciples first pose the question in deep distress, they ask: "Surely it is not I, Lord?" In other words, they ask: "Lord, am I capable of such deceit? Is that level of base treachery lurking within me?"
When Judas poses the question, he already knows the answer: "Surely, it is not I, Rabbi?" In other words, he asks: "Have you found me out? Do you already know how guilty I am?"
I'm more troubled with the first question than the second.
Jesus called his disciples — and me — to greatness. He knows that I am wonderfully made despite being wonderfully flawed. He created me with a capacity for beauty and virtue; I am a window to an exultation of the soul. But, by the same token, am I as capable of great wickedness as I am of great righteousness?
When Judas asks the question, he knows the answer. His question is layered in rhetorical arrogance.
When the disciples ask the question, they really don't know. Their question is layered in childlike ignorance of their own capacity. In all honesty, it scares me a little.
"Surely it is not in me, Lord?"
So, although I do love a good juicy villain, Judas doesn't scare me. His alliances are clear, and his decisions are made. The disciples — and me — are the ones to keep an eye on as the story unfolds. What will happen with them? Will Peter betray Jesus by denying him three times? And if he does, will he make amends for his sin? And what about me? When the moment of truth comes: Will I respond to the call with wickedness or with virtue? Will I do the right thing?
The answer, of course, is staring at me: "He answered, 'You have said so.'"
Man, that all-knowing, all-loving, sacrificial protagonist: he gets me every time.
- Eileen McKeagney
About Eileen McKeagney
Mrs. McKeagney has 16 years of experience teaching English and serves as Chair of the English department. Having taught all levels of students at JSerra, Mrs. McKeagney loves her classroom, her students, and what they teach her every day. She also is a member of Faculty Council, the International Admissions Committee, and the WASC Leadership Team. She has served as the school's PLC Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Curriculum Committee. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2018.
Mrs. McKeagney comes from a long line of teachers: her great-grandfather taught in the village schoolhouse in Ireland, her grandfather taught geography at a Christian Brothers secondary school in Ireland, and her father was a mathematics professor at San Francisco Community College.
Having lived in San Juan Capistrano for over 20 years, she and her husband are the proud parents of three teenage children. They are parishioners at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. Mrs. McKeagney's poetry has been selected for publication on Blessed Is She.
Musical Reflection: "Canvas and the Clay"
Written by Pat Barrett
Performed by Jonathan Telles
About Jonathan Telles
Since joining JSerra in 2011, Mr. Telles has taught English and Religion. He is also the Music Minister for Wednesday Masses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, with a minor in Theology, from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. Mr. Telles approaches teaching literature as an opportunity for students to explore humanity’s most profound experiences in order to better comprehend the consummate but mysterious Answer given to us in Christ. He also enjoys indie rock music, art house films, and the occasional photography excursion.
Art Reflection
About Ava Lauren Knebl '23
Ava Lauren Knebl is a sophomore at at JSerra Catholic High School. She is a student in the Arts Magnet Drawing and Painting Track and loves the visual arts as well as playing music (mostly guitar and piano).
Her work of art reflects today's Gospel reading in which Judas accepts 30 pieces of silver from the chief priests to betray Jesus. She chose to draw coins in Judas' hands to show her visual interpretation of the scene. The coins emphasize how Judas was paid a small sum of money to betray Jesus while Jesus paid with his life for the forgiveness of our sins.
April 1 - Holy Thursday
Lk 4:16-21
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."
WRITTEN REFLECTION
This is My body which is for you.
Our Lord Jesus loves us so much that on the night He was betrayed, He instituted two beautiful and wonderfully interconnected sacraments during the Last Supper: the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. Knowing His time on earth was coming to an end, He couldn't bear the thought of leaving us behind as orphans. Thus He left us the Sacrament of His Love so He could remain on Earth to be near to us and the Sacred Priesthood as a way for His priests to stand in His place at the altar to bring this and all the sacraments to His people.
Jesus, really present in the Eucharist in tabernacles all over the world, waits day and night for us to come and spend time with Him, to keep Him company, to let ourselves be loved by Him Who loves us first and to the end. His presence — the presence of God — in the Eucharist is the remedy for every loneliness, every fear, and every need for love. It is Heaven on Earth.
How blessed are we to have this Bread of the Angels as our food for the journey so that we may one day arrive at the Eternal Pascal Feast and see Him face to face.
- Frater Philip Mudd
About Noah Mudd (Frater Philip) '14
Frater (meaning Brother) Philip entered religious life in 2018, vested in the habit of the Norbertine Order and given the name "Philip" on December 24, 2018. His namesake, St. Philip Neri, is the patron saint of joy and humor.
Graduating from JSerra in
2014, Frater Philip was a member of the Swim team, Campus Ministry, and Caritas Christi. He attended the University of Texas at Dallas and graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering.
Now at the monastery, Frater looks forward to answering his vocational call to the priesthood. He is grateful for his experience of the faith at JSerra, and in particular, the example of former Chaplain, Fr. Damien. He enjoys painting icons, singing, and spikeball.
Musical Reflection: "Come As You Are"
Written by David Crowder
Performed by Jonathan Telles
About Jonathan Telles
Since joining JSerra in 2011, Mr. Telles has taught English and Religion. He is also the Music Minister for Wednesday Masses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, with a minor in Theology, from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. Mr. Telles approaches teaching literature as an opportunity for students to explore humanity’s most profound experiences in order to better comprehend the consummate but mysterious Answer given to us in Christ. He also enjoys indie rock music, art house films, and the occasional photography excursion.
Art Reflection
About Judy Zhu '24
Judy Zhu is a freshman in the Drawing and Painting track of the JSerra Arts Magnet Program.
After reading this Gospel for Holy Thursday, Judy decided to focus on the word "free," which she interpreted as "save" or "help." Her digital painting shows Jesus reaching through a symbolic barrier of water to save all of us from sin and help us to live a life of love.
April 2 - Good Friday
Jn 18:1-19:42
Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley
to where there was a garden,
into which he and his disciples entered.
Judas his betrayer also knew the place,
because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards
from the chief priests and the Pharisees
and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him,
went out and said to them, "Whom are you looking for?"
They answered him, "Jesus the Nazorean."
He said to them, "I AM."
Judas his betrayer was also with them.
When he said to them, "I AM,"
they turned away and fell to the ground.
So he again asked them,
"Whom are you looking for?"
They said, "Jesus the Nazorean."
Jesus answered,
"I told you that I AM.
So if you are looking for me, let these men go."
This was to fulfill what he had said,
"I have not lost any of those you gave me."
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it,
struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear.
The slave's name was Malchus.
Jesus said to Peter,
"Put your sword into its scabbard.
Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?"
So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus,
bound him, and brought him to Annas first.
He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas,
who was high priest that year.
It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews
that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus.
Now the other disciple was known to the high priest,
and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.
But Peter stood at the gate outside.
So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest,
went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter,
"You are not one of this man's disciples, are you?"
He said, "I am not."
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire
that they had made, because it was cold,
and were warming themselves.
Peter was also standing there keeping warm.
The high priest questioned Jesus
about his disciples and about his doctrine.
Jesus answered him,
"I have spoken publicly to the world.
I have always taught in a synagogue
or in the temple area where all the Jews gather,
and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me?
Ask those who heard me what I said to them.
They know what I said."
When he had said this,
one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said,
"Is this the way you answer the high priest?"
Jesus answered him,
"If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong;
but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"
Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm.
And they said to him,
"You are not one of his disciples, are you?"
He denied it and said,
"I am not."
One of the slaves of the high priest,
a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said,
"Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"
Again Peter denied it.
And immediately the cock crowed.
Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium.
It was morning.
And they themselves did not enter the praetorium,
in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and said,
"What charge do you bring against this man?"
They answered and said to him,
"If he were not a criminal,
we would not have handed him over to you."
At this, Pilate said to them,
"Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law."
The Jews answered him,
"We do not have the right to execute anyone,"
in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled
that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.
So Pilate went back into the praetorium
and summoned Jesus and said to him,
"Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered,
"Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?"
Pilate answered,
"I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?"
Jesus answered,
"My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here."
So Pilate said to him,
"Then you are a king?"
Jesus answered,
"You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
When he had said this,
he again went out to the Jews and said to them,
"I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover.
Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"
They cried out again,
"Not this one but Barabbas!"
Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head,
and clothed him in a purple cloak,
and they came to him and said,
"Hail, King of the Jews!"
And they struck him repeatedly.
Once more Pilate went out and said to them,
"Look, I am bringing him out to you,
so that you may know that I find no guilt in him."
So Jesus came out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak.
And he said to them, "Behold, the man!"
When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out,
"Crucify him, crucify him!"
Pilate said to them,
"Take him yourselves and crucify him.
I find no guilt in him."
The Jews answered,
"We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die,
because he made himself the Son of God."
Now when Pilate heard this statement,
he became even more afraid,
and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus,
"Where are you from?"
Jesus did not answer him.
So Pilate said to him,
"Do you not speak to me?
Do you not know that I have power to release you
and I have power to crucify you?"
Jesus answered him,
"You would have no power over me
if it had not been given to you from above.
For this reason the one who handed me over to you
has the greater sin."
Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out,
"If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar.
Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar."
When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out
and seated him on the judge's bench
in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon.
And he said to the Jews,
"Behold, your king!"
They cried out,
"Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!"
Pilate said to them,
"Shall I crucify your king?"
The chief priests answered,
"We have no king but Caesar."
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself,
he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull,
in Hebrew, Golgotha.
There they crucified him, and with him two others,
one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross.
It read,
"Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews."
Now many of the Jews read this inscription,
because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city;
and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,
"Do not write 'The King of the Jews,'
but that he said, 'I am the King of the Jews'."
Pilate answered,
"What I have written, I have written."
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus,
they took his clothes and divided them into four shares,
a share for each soldier.
They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless,
woven in one piece from the top down.
So they said to one another,
"Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be, "
in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says:
They divided my garments among them,
and for my vesture they cast lots.
This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved
he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."
Then he said to the disciple,
"Behold, your mother."
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, aware that everything was now finished,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
Jesus said, "I thirst."
There was a vessel filled with common wine.
So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop
and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,
"It is finished."
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Here all kneel and pause for a short time.
Now since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and that they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:
Not a bone of it will be broken.
And again another passage says:
They will look upon him whom they have pierced.
After this, Joseph of Arimathea,
secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews,
asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus.
And Pilate permitted it.
So he came and took his body.
Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night,
also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes
weighing about one hundred pounds.
They took the body of Jesus
and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices,
according to the Jewish burial custom.
Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden,
and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.
So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day;
for the tomb was close by.
WRITTEN REFLECTION
It seems ironic to call the day that Christ was crucified "good". On Good Friday, we hear the apostle John's account of the betrayal, capture, crucifixion, and death of Jesus. John was one of the only disciples present with Jesus, walking each step alongside of him. I often wonder how his heart could bare witnessing such things done to his best friend, but then am reminded why we call it "good."
The day of the crucifixion is only bearable because three days later, Christ will rise from the dead, destroying death and opening the gates of Heaven. It is through the resurrection that Jesus confirms that we are not stuck in our sinfulness. His glorified body tells us that even in the depths of our suffering, in our own darkest hours, that the light will shine again, and He will make all things new. We have the amazing knowledge that Christ will always redeem us, pull us out of our sin and darkness and make us beautiful again.
As a Catholic, it is commonplace to have a crucifix in every room of the house. It may seem odd to the outsider because when you look at any crucifix, you see a scary image — a man nailed to a cross. You see blood. You see suffering. It was the ugliest moment in our world's history, and yet, Christians look to the cross today as something beautiful. It is our God defeating the darkness. It is sacrifice. It is love.
May we live in the freedom of Christ, that He died so we could live. I frequently remind myself that Christ never promised a perfectly happy earthly life. His promise is in eternal life. Let us remind ourselves today, and every day, to trust in Our Lord and put our lives in His hands.
- Sarah Abdulla
About Sarah Abdulla
Mrs. Abdulla was born and raised in Mission Viejo, CA. After high school, she spent one year at Saddleback College and then transferred to Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. She double majored in Theology and Communication Arts.
In the fall of 2015, Mrs. Abdulla began working at JSerra in the Marketing Department. Her love of theology, ministry, and the students led her to begin working part-time in Campus Ministry; by the spring of 2017, she moved full-time to the Campus Ministry Department.
Musical Reflection: "Jesus Paid It All"
Written by Newsboys
Performed by Nini Guerry
About Nini Guerry '20
Nini Guerry is the last of four Guerry children that attended JSerra, herself graduating in 2020. She is now a freshman at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studying drama with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Although she is currently in California taking online classes, she is so excited to move to New York City in the fall. While at JSerra, Nini was involved in Theatre, Choir, and Campus Ministry. She looks back fondly on her wonderful and faith-filled memories at JSerra.
Musical Reflection: "Jesus Remember Me"
Written by Taizé
Performed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary
About the Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization. They seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture. Beginning with four foundresses, the community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. The Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. JSerra is blessed to have four Sisters teaching in the Theology, Science, History, and English departments!
Art Reflection
About Layla Shoar '23
Layla Shoar is a sophomore at JSerra who is completing her second year in the Drawing and Painting track of the Arts Magnet Program.
Layla chose to use acrylic on canvas for her Lenten Reflections project as it has always been her favorite medium.
After reflecting on the Good Friday scriptures, Layla commented, "I did not want to focus on the crucifixion, but rather the the image of Jesus praying to His Father in the garden. I also included a portrait of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns to show that Jesus knows what is to come. I am not a Catholic, but I can relate to the terrible fear and unease Jesus must have been feeling at this moment."
April 3 - Holy Saturday
Mark 16:1-7
When the sabbath was over,
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome
bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.
Very early when the sun had risen,
on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.
They were saying to one another,
"Who will roll back the stone for us
from the entrance to the tomb?"
When they looked up,
they saw that the stone had been rolled back;
it was very large.
On entering the tomb they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe,
and they were utterly amazed.
He said to them, "Do not be amazed!
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Behold the place where they laid him.
But go and tell his disciples and Peter,
'He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him, as he told you.'"
WRITTEN REFLECTION
In St. Mark's account of the Lord's resurrection, "Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome" arrive at Jesus' burial chamber. Knowing that the tomb is sealed with a very large stone and that they cannot enter by their own power, they ask each other, "Who will roll back the stone for us?" They are hampered by this great obstacle but are not utterly dismayed. There is hope in their question.
How often are we halted by the circumstances of life? Even as we seek to serve and honor the Lord in the mundane and extraordinary moments of our lives, we sometimes find that there are doors we cannot open and bridges we cannot cross by our own power. Great obstacles may appear. Tragedy can strike suddenly. We might become overwhelmed by uncertainty, guilt, shame, or fear. Our brokenness can hang before us like an impenetrable wall. How should we press on? Who will get us through? Who, we ask, will move the stone away? Our Lord and God is mighty to make passable what has been impassable. He is faithful to save.
After asking their question, the women looked and saw that the stone was rolled back, and upon entering the tomb, they found that the Lord's body was gone. There, with a most wonderful message, the angel proclaimed, "He has been raised; he is not here." Then, the women received a new mission. No longer needing to anoint Jesus' body, they were to proclaim "to the disciples and Peter" that — true to His word — Jesus left the grave behind and lives.
In an instant, Jesus' tomb — formerly a place of sorrow — became a site of ecstatic joy and great hope. He is risen, and He lives! Isn't this the assurance that we desperately need? Ours is the God of victory, who commands that which is insurmountable for us — even death! — to be moved. And it is moved. Our sufferings are not too great for Him. He calls us forward, through tribulations, to Himself, and He will not let us fall.
- Heather Thomas
About Heather Thomas
Ms. Thomas is a Southern California native and social scientist. She earned her BA in Political Science, MA in Cultural Anthropology, and PhD in Cultural Anthropology (with a focus on Medical Anthropology) from UC Irvine. For her doctoral research, she explored how sociopolitical identity, community building, and the diagnostic practices of western biomedical culture interplay.
Since January 2020, she has worked in JSerra's IT Department and has contributed greatly to the intellectual and spiritual mission of the school.
Musical Reflection: "Let All Mortal Flesh"
Written by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary
About the Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization. They seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture. Beginning with four foundresses, the community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. The Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. JSerra is blessed to have four Sisters teaching in the Theology, Science, History, and English departments!
Art Reflection
About Linda Jiang '23
A sophomore in the JSerra Arts Magnet Program, Linda Jiamg enjoys photography and watching anime in her spare time.
In her draw, she portrays Holy Saturday by using the element, a candle, to show Jesus in the light in thee darkness of man's sin — burning and sacrificing Himself to save us. She also uses the element of the cross to represent Christianity.
April 4 - Easter Sunday
Jn 20:1-9
On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don't know where they put him."
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
WRITTEN REFLECTION
Last week I had the opportunity to substitute a class for one of our theology teachers. To kick off what turned out to be an animated discussion, I posed this admittedly unfair question to the students: "Which was the most important of these three events — Christ's birth, death, or resurrection?" As you might imagine, the answers were creative and varied. From the logical, "Well, Christ's birth, obviously. If that doesn't happen, his death and resurrection don't either." To the theological, "His death. It was the biggest sign of God's love for all of us." One student offered this simple yet profound response, "His resurrection. If Jesus never rose from the dead, then His birth and death really have no meaning."
(This is when as a teacher you pause briefly, repeat the student's brilliant and insightful response multiple times to the class for maximum effect, and discard whatever you planned to say!)
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the story of salvation. It is the encryption key that unlocks the bitcoin. (I don't own bitcoin, but I'm hoping that metaphor is somewhat accurate.) This highest point in the Church's liturgical year is a reminder that the gates of Heaven have been thrown open wide to us both collectively as the people of God and individually as His sons and daughters. As children of the Father, let us confidently radiate our joy and optimism to the world — most especially in the face of adversity. Though the events of this past year have been none like any of us could have ever imagined, the Resurrection is a reminder for you and me that there is no obstacle or barrier that can keep us apart from God and His love for us.
Christ is risen! He is indeed risen!
- Rich Meyer
About Rich Meyer
Mr. Meyer hails from Chicago and is privileged to serve the JSerra community as President. After graduating from college, Mr. Meyer worked in sales until discovering his true vocation as an educator. After completing his graduate studies in education, he and his family moved overseas to Spain where he taught middle school English. Upon his return to the United States, he taught Spanish and English for seven years in Illinois. Prior to coming to JSerra, Mr. Meyer spent six years as the headmaster at an all-boys college prep school.
Thrilled to be in Southern California where the sun is plentiful and the mosquitoes are scarce, he and his wife, Anne, have been blessed with eight children. His biggest curse in life was recently lifted when his beloved Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series.
Musical Reflection: "Christ Is Risen"
Written by Matt Maher
Performed by Jonathan Telles
About Jonathan Telles
Since joining JSerra in 2011, Mr. Telles has taught English and Religion. He is also the Music Minister for Wednesday Masses. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy, with a minor in Theology, from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he graduated magna cum laude. He also holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. Mr. Telles approaches teaching literature as an opportunity for students to explore humanity’s most profound experiences in order to better comprehend the consummate but mysterious Answer given to us in Christ. He also enjoys indie rock music, art house films, and the occasional photography excursion.
Musical Reflection: "Who You Say I Am"
Written by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding
Performed by Nini Guerry
About Nini Guerry '20
Nini Guerry is the last of four Guerry children that attended JSerra, herself graduating in 2020. She is now a freshman at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studying drama with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Although she is currently in California taking online classes, she is so excited to move to New York City in the fall. While at JSerra, Nini was involved in Theatre, Choir, and Campus Ministry. She looks back fondly on her wonderful and faith-filled memories at JSerra.
Musical Reflection: "Glory Be to Jesus"
Written by S. Alfonso
Performed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary
About the Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, were canonically established in 1997 in response to Pope St. John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization. They seek to share God’s message of faith and the joy of religious life with the modern world through various outreaches including education, vocations, and culture. Beginning with four foundresses, the community has now grown to over 150 Sisters with an average age of 32. The Motherhouse is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. JSerra is blessed to have four Sisters teaching in the Theology, Science, History, and English departments!
Art Reflection
About Callie Schreiber '23
Callie Schreiber is a sophomore in the Drawing and Painting track in the JSerra Arts Magnet Program. She enjoys creating art in her free time.
Callie chose to pain an Easter lily for her Easter Sunday Gospel depiction.
"I always think of Easter lilies during the Easter season because they are so delicate and beautiful — they constantly remind me of God's beauty and power," she explains.
Additional Lenten Opportunities
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