A Reflection on Lent by Cristian Hernandez

During Lent, we remember the forty days and forty nights that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and resisting the temptations of Satan. Lent is also a time when we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us by accepting his destiny and dying for our sins.

Lent, is a time of giving up drinking, going out to parties, etc. Many people make good sacrifices during these forty days, however, when Lent is over; they go back to their normal habits. During this Lent, I invite you to meditate a bit more. What have you done that is pleasing to God? What have you done that is not so pleasing to God? How do you show love for others? Where are you heading in life? These are good questions to help us meditate more, not only during Lent, but constantly in our daily lives.

Let’s look deep inside of ourselves, let’s reflect like Jesus did, and let’s make a decision that will bring a positive change in our lives and in the lives of others. May we be thankful for Jesus’s Sacrifice for us. Let’s do good, help others, understand others more, and be more tolerant, loving and forgiving. Not simply with words, but also actions.

I, for instance, have decided to help others by participating in my local parish’s young adult group; I bring food to the group mostly every night and help with set up. Last week I also helped during the preparation for a youth Vigil and continue to sacrifice some of my time to helping in the youth group. This Lent I have also tried to learn to forgive. I encourage you do the same and to take time to reflect! God bless!

Reflexion de Cuaresma por Cristian Hernandez

Durante la cuaresma recordamos los 40 dias que Jesus paso en ayuno y meditacion en el desierto, despues de los cuales fue tentado por Satanas, y resistio a cada una de las tentaciones que el diablo le presento, despues de est0 acepto su destino y decidio morir para el perdon de nuestros pecados.

Nosotros, durante la cuaresma dejamos de comer carne, de tomar, salir a fiestas... En fin, muchas personas hacen ciertos sacrificios durante esos 40 dias, y al terminar la cuaresma, vuelven a comer y beber. Pero hay que recordar algo muy importante, que Jesus medito, y tomo una decision por la cual estamos hoy aqui, en este mundo, esa decision cambio nuestras vidas.

Hoy en esta cuaresma yo te invito a meditar sobre ti mismo, Que has hecho bien? Que has hecho mal? Ayudas al projimo?, o simplemente Hacia donde vas? Son preguntas que debemos hacernos no solo en este tiempo de reflexion, si no todo el tiempo.

Miremos dentro de nosotros, reflexionemos, y al igual que Jesus, tomemos una decision, que sea un cambio positivo en nuestras vidas y en los demas! que de algo valga lo que Jesus hizo por nosotros, si el se sacrificio por nosotros, porque no hacer el bien, ayudar, comprender, tolerar y amar. Estas son cosas que Jesus nos enseno con sus acciones, no con palabras, tambien nosotros debemos tomar accion.

Yo, en lo personal, he decidido, devolver con una sonrisa todo lo malo, perdonar y dar mi mano a los demas. Actualmente soy voluntario en la parroquia local asistiendo al grupo de jovenes adultos. Comparto comida con el grupo de vez en cuando y ayudo con la preparacion de las reuniones semanales. Para la Vigilia juvenil organizada la semana pasada prepare cruces de madera para cada uno de los participantes. Esa para mi es una manera de dar un poco de mi tiempo y esfuerzo a Dios y a los demas.

Esta Cuaresma te invito a hacer lo mismo. Que Dios los bendiga!

Cristian Hernandez has worked as a line cook for the past 11 years. At this moment, he works at Grand Lux Cafe. He participates in the young adult group at St. Clare of Montefalco and looks forward to serving in more ways in the parish. Cristian enjoys writing, cooking, public speaking, serving others, and spending time with friends.

Holy Week - Inside & Out

Dr. Kate DeVries
Associate Director
Young Adult Ministry Ofc.

In one of Fr. Cusick’s newest presentations, he describes how to celebrate some of the rich traditions of the Catholic faith in our own homes. We got a taste of it in Friday’s post, April 15, where he made suggestions for the palms distributed at Mass this weekend.  Using the idea of extending our rituals into our homes (and workplaces, neighborhoods, etc.) here’s a look at some Holy Week options.  We strongly encourage you to participate in Holy Week celebrations – both inside our church buildings, and outside them.  

Palm Sunday

In Church:  On Palm Sunday, we actually hear two Gospels – one as we begin Mass, and the second after our 2^nd Reading.  The first Gospel describes how the crowd used palms to welcome Jesus as he entered Jerusalem.  [Read the full text.]  The second is the Passion - the story of the suffering of Jesus from the night of the last supper to his death.  This is Year A of our 3-year cycle; to today’s Passion story is from St. Matthew. 

Outside Church:  Please visit Fr. Cusick’s post from last Friday for prayers for praying over a blessed palm and a crucifix.  As he mentions, if you don’t already have a crucifix hanging in your home, it’s a great week to hang one.

Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

In Church:  Our Gospels continue to set the scene as Jesus is moving toward his death.  In Monday’s Gospel, Jesus and the disciples are dining with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with  precious oil, Judas expresses his anger.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, we again enter into the conversation at the last supper.  A recurrent theme  is: What is your relationship to Jesus, and how do you show it?   

Liturgies this week are rich with signs, symbols, images, and an underlying current about what it means to love ( or betray) Jesus.  Again, attend what you can.  Two special liturgies: 

1.   Tuesday the Archdiocese of Chicago celebrates the Chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. That Mass focuses on the unity of the priests with their bishop. Also at that Mass, the Cardinal will bless the three oils used in our sacraments and other rituals throughout the year, and representatives from every parish in the archdiocese will receive them.

2.   Wednesday, look for a celebration of “Tenebrae,” which in Latin means “darkness.” The liturgy is made up of readings, psalms, and prayers, and a series of candles which are gradually extinguished as the story of Christ’s journey to Calvary is told.

Outside Church:  Now is the time to revisit and review your Lenten practices. In light of how you have moved through these past 30-something days, where are you now? This is not a time to get down on ourselves for not being as faithful as we intended to be. It’s one last opportunity to grow deeper in faith. Work it from the inside, or from the outside.  Going inside:  Make time to still the noise, light a candle, use your imagination to meet Jesus in a favorite spot, and have a heart to heart talk. Taking it Outside:   Is there something you want to do before Easter?  Is there something you can do this week at home, at work, with others, that will symbolically demonstrate the Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with oil? What simple gesture would you like to offer?  

Holy Thursday

FYI – Holy Thursday begins our 3 most sacred days of the year, which we call the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday/Easter).  Also, Lent officially ends the moment the Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins today.  

In Church:  Today we celebrate the Last Supper, the origin of Jesus as our Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation.  Today is all about being in Communion.  So much so that John’s Gospel gives us that beautiful example of the washing of the feet.  Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you?  … If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow,  so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”  [Read the full text.]

Outside Church:  The altar in church represents both an altar of sacrifice, and the table at which your family and/or friends gather.  Tomorrow, Good Friday, is all about sacrifice; today, we focus on the dining room table idea.  It has been said that Mass is where we “gather the folks, tell the stories, and break the bread.”  So is every table at which we break bread with others.  Consider the meals you have shared in the past.  Consider the ways in which you, and the others gathered, have been the Light of Christ for one another.  It’s something to keep in mind the next time you dine with others. Thinking of the foot washing ritual, how have you washed another’s feet recently?  How will you/we in the future?

Good Friday  

In Church:  On Good Friday, our last day of fasting for the season, again we remember the suffering and death of Jesus, endured because of his love for us.  Today is the only day in the Catholic year that Mass is not celebrated. However, Eucharist from the Holy Thursday Mass can be distributed.  Today’s Gospel is always a reading of the Passion from St. John’s Gospel.  The ritual for today’s liturgy, is the veneration (honoring) of the cross.  We adore the wood of the cross (without the image of Jesus on it), as an instrument of our salvation. 

Another tradition, celebrated throughout the year, but especially relevant today, is praying the stations of the cross.  The prayers are available on-line, but praying in Church adds the element of community.  Here are the Stations prayed by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday, 1991.

Outside Church:  Many families have a tradition for Good Friday.  Some families keep silent from noon to 3 pm (the Gospel of Mark says Jesus was put on the cross on the third hour, and there was darkness over the land from the 6^th to the 9^th hour, when he gave up his spirit).  Others have created their own tradition of prayer at a particular time.  Consider a veneration of the cross throughout your day today.  Remember, we started Lent with ashes in the form of a cross on our foreheads.  Today, hold the cross with you all day.  Consider wearing a cross, or putting a small one in your pocket.  Even a simple cross drawn on a small post-it note will remind you of the significance of the day, and the power of Christ’s sacrifice.  If you don’t make to church today, venerate/kiss the crucifix in your home and say a prayer of thanksgiving. 

Holy Saturday

In Church:  Today has been referred to as “Tomb Day,” as we wait for the resurrection of Jesus. ..that is, until sundown, when we begin the celebration of our high, holy day:  Easter.  The Easter Vigil, that Saturday evening Mass before Easter Sunday, is when we bring new members into the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  It is a celebration packed with symbols and rituals, and includes fire, water, oil, moving from darkness to light, the uncovering of any statues covered for Holy Week, multiple readings that express our faith, each followed by sung responses, the return of the Gloria, the ringing of bells, the return of the Alleluia, a Litany of the Saints, the celebration of those sacraments, the renewal of baptismal vows, a sprinkling rite, white vestments, flowers and plants, and all the usual elements of Sunday Mass.  It’s an amazingly rich celebration, which can last for several hours.  A good explanation of the Easter Vigil can be found at the Creighton University website. .

Outside Church:  Consider ways in which you will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.  The season of Lent lasts for 40 days, but the Easter season lasts a full 50 days!  It’s not about the historic moment of resurrection as much as it is celebrating encounters of the Risen Lord.  Where and with whom do you encounter Christ?  Celebrate it!    

These are just some suggestions for moving through Holy Week.  Feel free to create your own traditions, and add your own suggestions here.  A Blessed Holy Week and a Joyful Easter to all!

Kate DeVries

Palm Sunday (April 17) - Bring some palms home!

Fr. John Cusick, Director
Young Adult Ministry Office

One of our Catholic traditions is to bring home a palm branch after Mass on Palm Sunday. The question that follows is: what am I supposed to do with the palm when I bring it home?

Many people tuck it behind a crucifix that hangs in their home. I have done that for most of my life. Behind the image of the cross of Christ, I stick my blessed palm. It is a great contrast, when you think about it. At the beginning of Holy Week, Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem to the roar of the crowd. He was seated on a donkey. There is interesting meaning to that. A horse was symbolic of war and violence; a donkey was symbolic of peace. The crowds, who lined his path, placed palm branches before him, like a carpet of green, and waved them as they cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The irony is that Jesus left Jerusalem while carrying His cross to be executed outside the city gate. No cheering crowds. On Good Friday, the people jeered Him. How quickly life changes!

So your palm branch behind your cross of Christ is the symbol of that joy and sorrow, those cheers and jeers, the celebration and the suffering, being a part of a crowd and dying alone.

Keep that palm behind your crucifix. And then replace it next Palm Sunday.

Consider praying this prayer as you tuck your palm branch behind your crucifix.

A Prayer for Palms

Lord Jesus, as you entered Jerusalem the people waved palm branches. As you passed by, they placed them on the ground like a carpet of greenery.  May this palm remind us of the great celebration and joy your presence has brought to all human life.

These same palms of joy and celebration are destined to become the ashes to be placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross next Ash Wednesday. So, they symbolize the harshness of life, the pain we will all endure, and the need for penance and discipline in our lives.

May these palms remind us of the ups and downs of life, the good news and the bad, the sin and the grace we will all experience in the year to come.  Amen.

If, by chance, you do not have a crucifix in your living space, this is a perfect weekend to go out and buy one. It can even be a little one, if you share your space with others. I keep mine in my bedroom. Below is a short prayer that you can use as you hang your cross of Christ.  If you have a crucifix already in your living space, you might wish to use this prayer on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week.

The Cross of Christ

May this cross hang proudly in this home. It is a sign of the Faith in Jesus Christ that dwells here.

Lord Jesus, we tend to see a passive, dying Jesus as we look at the cross that hangs in this house. But You were not passive, waiting to die. From the cross You did what You always did, reconciled people to their God, forgave them and invited them into communion with You and the source of Life, whom You called Abba, Your Father.  From Your cross you looked at the crowd and said, “Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”

Hanging with You was a common criminal who said to You: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." You replied, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

As this cross hangs in this house, may it be a reminder of Your presence here. May it be a reminder of the great love You had for us all “as You breathed Your Last.” May it be a reminder of Your desire for all people to be in communion with Abba, our Father, and with one another.

As we/I look upon this cross, may we/I be reminded of what You told your apostles at that Last Supper: “As I have done, now you must do the same.”

Cross of Christ, bless this home.  Amen.

Have a very special Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

May the Lord bless you.

Fr. John Cusick

Living/Doing for Others:

We all live in an ‘instantaneous’ society! We have everything at our fingertips. We become so engrossed in our careers and social lives that we often forget to look beyond our agendas and ‘give back’ and do for others throughout the year. Lent is a time of spiritual renewal. A time to slow down, take a step back and change ourselves for the better! Lent isn’t just about inner renewal. It can also be an excellent time to look ‘outside’ ourselves and find opportunities to be a better person, by helping others in need or giving back in some way to our own communities. Jesus said it best in scripture: “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” and “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself” It is that simple! Giving back to others can be as simple as being a better listener to friends or family members; Calling someone for no reason just to see how they are doing; Visit an elderly neighbor or parishioner; send a card to someone who has been sick. These simple acts are ways we can follow in Jesus’ loving example and live our own lives for others all year long! Helping others can be fun and rewarding for all parties involved! Jesus teaches us that everyone has a gift to give and share! What people don’t realize is that living for others can involve the activities that you enjoy doing! There are so many organizations within our parishes and city communities that could use your help. It doesn’t matter if you have an hour or 20 hours a week to give. Simply think of activities you enjoy. If you love to read or do crafts, maybe help with Sunday School; If you love to cook, bake some cookies or goodies for a local food pantry. If you love to talk, visit someone in a nursing home or become a lector! If you want to help your local community, call the Red Cross; If you love to write, write to our Military serving overseas. The possibilities to live a life of giving are ENDLESS!!! There is no better feeling than giving of your talents and your time! When people around you notice that you are extending yourself to others, it will only encourage them to do the same!! Remember, use Lent to help yourself slow down and reflect on how you can start living a life for others as Jesus did. Lori Adler currently lives in Crown Point, Indiana. Lori moved to NW Indiana about 5 years ago from Southern Indiana. She is currently a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Crown Point and serves on the Parish Council and is a co-leader for the Young Adult group. She also is a volunteer for St. Mary's Food pantry, the Welcoming Committee and recently joined the Red Cross Chapter of NW Indiana as a volunteer. Lori spends part of her days working in Marketing for MyEmployment Options, a company that assists disabled citizens on Social security benefits help in reaching their employment goals. In her spare time, you will find Lori volunteering, spending time with her friends and family, thrift shopping, or attending country music concerts!

Daily Mass by Nick Byrne

I enjoy going to daily mass before work. I go to daily mass to see my friends in the morning who want to start their day with Jesus (the true breakfast of champions, sorry Wheaties) and to hear the word of God. This lent I realized that I have a hard time paying attention. I try so hard to listen to the word of God but I just can’t. If I cannot listen, then why do I go (I am reminded of the classes in college that I just slept in, pointless to have gone)? The biggest reason why I go to daily mass is so I can be equipped with Jesus for the day ahead. God knows that I make an effort to have a relationship with him. During lent I have made an effort to wake up and pay attention not only at mass but in the world around me. It is not easy to live a Christian life, but having God within me every morning I feel the grace to conquer each and every day without fear.

Nick Byrne is an employee with Turner Construction Company. His faith community is Old Saint Patrick’s located on the crossroads of Adams and Des Plains in downtown Chicago. He volunteers at the young adult’s events and is also a high school youth group leader.

When Will It Stop Hurting So Much?

Fr. John Cusick, Director
Young Adult Ministry Office

For many 30somethings and 20somethings the journey through the young adult years is a journey of learning and of revelation about some of life’s great lessons and life’s most difficult moments. And these lessons are not taught in a classroom environment. No book can prepare you for them and nothing, not even two aspirin, will make them easier to experience or make them go away faster. They are found in the laboratory of everyday life.

At this time in life, we begin to encounter the stark reality that life is not always fair and just and kind. There is a good chance your heart will be broken. And guess what? That heart of yours can get broken more than once!

A young woman came to see me one day and asked that simple question printed above: “When will it stop hurting so much?” “Please explain,” I said to her. “Early last year my dad died. And there has not been a single day since that I haven’t really hurt inside. I thought I would run out of tears! But they keep coming and coming.”

I did something I never did before. I had a copy of the Chicago Sun-Times in my office. I gave it to her and asked her to turn to the Death Notice page. Once she found it, I said, ”Now starting in the upper left hand column, read out loud to me the names of each person on that page.” She gave me a very strange look, but she began. She stopped half way through the alphabetized list and said, “What’s this about?” “Keep reading,” I said.

When she finished the entire list, she put down the paper and said, “So what? What did that have to do with why I wanted to come and talk to you?” “Everything,” I said.

“All those people whose names you read out loud to me died in this area within the last 24-54 hours. You did not know any of them. You did not love any of them. Do you know why you hurt SO MUCH? Because you loved your dad SO MUCH. That’s why. If you didn’t love, you would not hurt.”

There is a good chance that in your 20s and 30s you will ask that question: “When will it stop hurting so much?” Death hurts. And the more you love, the more you will hurt.

But once again the Lord Jesus gives us a strategy for when this experience of life happens to us. When you experience the death of a grandparent, a mom or dad, a sibling, a child, a good friend, or a significant family member, keep in mind that it is a love story before it is anything else. The experience of death is scary, final and terrifying. If we didn’t love, those emotions would never take over our lives.

In the story of Jesus standing in front of the tomb of his dead friend, Lazarus, we were told two important things. First, early on in the story it is made clear that Jesus loved Lazarus. Second, it is the only experience of Jesus weeping. He hurt. He wept. His friend died. He loves Lazarus.

Yet Jesus was not frozen in grief. He did what He always did. He brought the love of the divine life of God to the darkest and most empty place in life: death. Facing the darkness of death, he faced the tomb of Lazarus and said in a loud voice (a loud voice in scripture is always a sign of the presence of God), “Lazarus, come out!” And so he did. Lazarus came out of the darkness of a tomb into the light of the world, bound head-to-toe with all the linen trappings of death. Jesus said, “Unbind him and let him go free!” That is the same command of Moses on behalf of God to the Egyptian Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” Nothing will get in the way of God’s eternal love, not slavery in times past and now not death. God’s life is stronger than anything – even death.

Hurt, cry, feel lousy for as long as it takes. It happens because you love. And because God loves, there is another love that is everlasting. That is stronger than the death you are experiencing.

This is all a setup for the experience of the suffering and death of Christ we will focus on next week, Holy Week.

But for today, can you take a moment or two and raise to your consciousness someone who has died and whom you miss. Commend that person or people to God’s everlasting love. And if you need to, shed a tear or two. I know I will.

Fr. John Cusick

From Ashes to New Life



Dr. Kate DeVries, rising
from what is believed to be
Lazarus' tomb in
Bethany, Israel

 As I listened to Martha speak in Sunday’s Gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, I found myself thinking of my own big brother.  [Click here to Read the Gospel.]  He died a few months after his thirty-first birthday.   Like so many of us who have suffered the loss of a loved one, I know the depth of pain Martha and Mary were experiencing.  I wonder just how old Lazarus was when he died…. 

Thankfully, I have also experienced the sense of relief and hope that comes when Jesus enters the scene. Jesus came to me through family members, friends, and colleagues who reminded me that love is stronger than death, and that my brother, like all who have gone before us, forever will be in God’s loving embrace.  When I mentioned to a colleague that my faith was shaken and I didn’t know just what to believe, he shared that it is the role of the faith community to believe for me until I was ready to believe again. They did.  Jesus came to me through personal prayer time, during which he and I had many long conversations (although I admit, I did most of the talking).  Jesus came to me through a therapist, who helped me overcome night terrors, work through my grief, and find happiness again with my brother beyond my grasp. Jesus came to me through ordinary, everyday events  like the warmth of a sunny day, things in my garden blooming, and kind gestures shared by both people I knew and strangers.   Finally, after almost two years, Jesus came to me with a deeper understanding that resurrection is real.

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he [or she] dies, will live,” Jesus tells us today, two weeks before Easter.    “Do you believe this?” he asks, both Martha and us. 

Sunday marked the 5^th Sunday of Lent.  We have worked our way from the dust of Ash Wednesday through the temptations in the desert, to the transfiguration where Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah, to the woman at the well where Jesus promised “a spring of water welling up to eternal life,” to the blind man who gained physical and spiritual sight, and now to Martha, Mary and the rising of Lazarus.  Jesus has triumphed over evil (the devil), consulted Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets), and crossed two cultural boundaries by speaking with a woman who was a Samaritan.  Plus, Jesus has healed a blind man, and raised a dead man.  Along the way, he has changes lives, made some powerful enemies, and attracted multitudes of believers.  

These stories are put before us now to help us answer that question:   “Do you believe this?”  Do you believe in the resurrection?  Other questions that we are invited to answer in faith:  Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Resurrection, and the Life?  Do you believe that because of Christ, life is stronger than death? 

This week, with two weeks to go before Easter, look for Resurrection; look for Christ.  Where are you seeing New Life? 

Kate DeVries

Kate is the Associate Director of the Young Adult Ministry Office.  After her graduation from Catholic Theological Union, she treated herself to a 3-week trip through Israel.