Lenten Reflections

LENTEN REFLECTIONS FOR 2026

Each year, Campus Ministry collects Lenten reflections from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University and shares them with the campus community. Please enjoy, be inspired, and share with your friends.

Lenten Reflections, February 18 – 21

Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday)

Matthew 6: 1-6,16-18

Ashes. Dust. Death.

Is that a dramatic enough beginning?

And yet, Ash Wednesday is very dramatic. We Christians who participate in this significant liturgical day aren’t just reminding ourselves about our mortality and finitude, but our dusty foreheads quietly witness to others that we should all, as the minister often says during the imposition of ashes, “repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

On the other hand, Ash Wednesday is rather boring. Apart from the reception of ashes and the fasting from food, Christians are still heading to class, going to work, practicing sports or hobbies, getting the groceries, folding the laundry, and completing other pedestrian tasks. Some folks may even disregard the day (and the ensuing season of Lent) altogether.

In each of these extremes, I see a danger. For the former, we can be tempted to put more spiritual stock into this day than we do any other day. We might rearrange our schedule to get to church on Ash Wednesday so that we can have ashes on our faces, but when the following Sunday rolls around, we don’t exert that same effort; this might be the modern equivalent of the hypocrites Jesus mentions in the Gospel who want to look like they’re fasting without having an interior conversion of heart.

Similarly, if we see Ash Wednesday just like every other day, we might also run the risk of going through Lent – and by extension, approaching the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at Easter – without again having that aforementioned conversion of heart.

This conversion of heart, or metanoia, is what Lent is all about, and that’s what we hear in the First Reading: “return to me with your whole heart.” This begs the question, then, “am I only giving God part of my heart?” Put another way, “Am I following God half-heartedly?”

This is where the Church in her wisdom presents us with a time-tested and Biblical solution, often called the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Jesus himself says in today’s Gospel of Matthew, “When you give alms… when you pray… when you fast….” In addition to being an imperative from Jesus, practicing these pillars serves as the perfect antidote for our half-heartedness, selfishness, and sin; because we are inconveniencing ourselves, they helpfully wake us up out of our routine habits and vices so that we can be “reconciled to God” as St. Paul reminds us in the Second Reading.

What exactly does this reconciliation to God look like? If I could define it via negativa – by way of negation – if you’re spiritually the same person on Easter Sunday as you are today on Ash Wednesday, even if you’re a few pounds lighter from skipping dessert, you’ve missed the point. Worse, if you’re the same person as when we started Lent last year (or the years before), it might be time to cry out with the Psalmist, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”

Is that a dramatic enough beginning to Lent?

Joel Kelley
Director
Campus Ministry & Mission

Thursday, February 19

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Choices! Choices! Choices!  We are constantly being bombarded by choices.

I was shopping in Walgreens last week to pick up a prescription, and when I entered the candy aisle, I was amazed by the two long rows of Valentine candy and other Valentine merchandise waiting to be purchased for that special person in one’s life. I’ll bet I spent ten minutes looking at the various red, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and various toys. So many choices! So many from which to choose! But too many choices slow down the decision process.

Most of the choices we make are rather simple and routine – when to get up in the morning, what to wear, what to have for breakfast, etc. But there are other choices that were more serious and harder to make, like choosing a college, choosing a major, taking certain courses, and working for a degree completion. For seniors, the choice might be – what will I do after CBU?  Will it be attending grad school? Getting a job? Taking some time off?  Choices! Choices!

Moses, in Deuteronomy, gives some advice: Choose the Lord, our God. Choose life! “If you obey the commandments of the Lord… love him and walk in his ways… You will live and grow numerous.” Good decisions are made from evaluating the choices. In addition to Our Lord, seek advice from friends and people who know you.

During this Lenten season, spend some extra time in prayer, asking Our Lord to guide you in your decisions. He’s always there to listen, guide, and advise. But we must be open to listening to him and ACT!  Examine the choices, make a decision, and go with it! Remember, he is always with you!

Br. Tom Sullivan, FSC
Director of CBU Brothers Community & Adjunct Professor
Department of Biology

Friday, February 20

Isaiah 58: 2-7

As we journey through Lent, Isaiah 58:2-7 calls us to examine the substance of our faith. The prophet’s words challenge us to look beyond outward rituals and consider the deeper alignment between our daily actions and the heart of God. Lent is a season for honest reflection—an invitation to ask whether our vocation, career, and family life are truly rooted in justice, compassion, and an authentic relationship with Christ.

Vocation: Reflecting Christ’s Character in Daily Work

True vocation is more than a job or a title; it is a calling to embody Christ’s character wherever we are placed. Isaiah’s call to “loose the chains of injustice” and “set the oppressed free” reminds us that our work should not only fulfill us but also serve others. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the home, we are invited to approach our tasks with humility, kindness, and a desire to reflect Christ’s love in all we do.

Career: Rooting Success in Justice and Ethics

Success in our professional lives is empty if it is not grounded in integrity. Isaiah’s vision of true worship centers on justice—sharing bread with the hungry, providing shelter, and clothing the vulnerable. Our ambitions and achievements find their deepest meaning when they are shaped by ethical choices and a commitment to fairness. During Lent, let us reassess our goals, ensuring that our pursuit of career advancement never comes at the expense of our values or the well-being of others.

Family: Nurturing Connection and Spiritual Alignment

Family relationships are a sacred trust and a central part of our spiritual journey. Isaiah emphasizes the importance of not turning away from our own flesh and blood. In the busyness of life, it is easy to lose sight of those closest to us. Lent offers a chance to slow down, be present, and prioritize meaningful connection at home. When our families are places of grace, forgiveness, and encouragement, they become a living witness to God’s love.

Conclusion: Practical Steps Toward Spiritual Alignment

This Lenten season, let us examine our daily routines, professional ambitions, and family priorities in light of Isaiah’s prophetic call. Are we practicing justice and mercy? Are our careers marked by honesty and compassion? Are we truly present with our loved ones? May we seek alignment in every area of life, trusting that as we do, we will draw closer to the heart of Christ and become agents of His transforming love.

Marianne Ogutu
Director of Student Engagement
Student Affairs

Saturday, February 21

Luke 5 27-32

I was struggling to write this reflection and, somewhat unexpectedly, found inspiration during the Super Bowl halftime show.

In today’s Gospel, a tax collector—one of the most despised professions of Jesus’ time—leaves his post to follow Jesus. He then invites Jesus to dine with him and a whole table full of other tax collectors. The Pharisees are indignant. Why would Jesus lower himself to eat with people they find morally repugnant?

As I sat with this Gospel—Bad Bunny performing in the background—I began wondering who the tax collectors of our society might be. Who do we instinctively turn up our noses at? In a culture fueled by outrage and rage-bait, this may be an uncomfortably easy question to answer.

Might Jesus dine with Bad Bunny—a figure controversial enough that some people felt compelled to create a competing halftime show? Might it be an ICE agent who leaves their post? A politician we can’t stand? Someone who is incarcerated? People we quietly categorize as them rather than us?

We often think—sometimes unconsciously—that they are not like us (crossing over to last year’s halftime show). But in today’s Gospel, Jesus deliberately sits at a table with people others had already written off. And he does so not because they have it all together, but precisely because they do not.

That is the Lenten challenge. In a deeply divided moment, Jesus does not ask us to draw cleaner lines between the righteous and the unrighteous. He asks us to notice who we exclude, who we dehumanize, and who we assume is beyond grace. Lent invites us to imagine—uncomfortably, honestly—who Jesus might be dining with today, and whether we are willing to sit at that table too.

Dr. Colby Duncan Taylor
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology, Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Lenten Reflections, February 22 – 28

Sunday, February 22

Matthew 4:1-11

Today is the First Sunday of Lent and, along with it, my favorite Gospel passage: Matthew 4: 1-11. Jesus has just been baptized by John the Baptist, and the crowd at the Jordan witnessed the heavens open and a voice saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” This is the start of Jesus’ public ministry, where he will teach radical forgiveness, heal the sick, and raise the dead. But before he can do this ministry, Jesus retreats into the wilderness where he is tested by The Tempter. It is easy to read this scene as a testament to Jesus’ superhuman holiness – but it says more about our humanity, who we are, and why God would humble Himself to become one of us. Each temptation is a cattle prod designed by the Tempter to escape the uncomfortable-ness of Jesus’ humanity.

Jesus is hungry. Satan says, “Do something about it then! Turn these stones into bread since you are Divine!” Jesus rebuffs him by quoting Deuteronomy 8: 3: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” He must stay reliant on his own hands and community support to provide these basic needs.

Jesus perhaps doubts Himself, so he is transported to the top of the Temple in Jerusalem, the most sacred spot of the city. The Tempter says, “Throw yourself down and trust that your angels will protect you. A regular human would die from this, but surely not you!” Jesus resists seeing Himself as anything other than one of us.

Finally, Jesus is tempted with power and wealth, things that have driven so many away from our Lord. The Tempter says, “Live an easy life of comfort and influence. If you are the King of Kings, why should you live in squalor and struggle? Rise up to your station!  Won’t they respect you more this way?” Jesus says, “No, God is only to be worshipped, not the things of this world.”

Jesus chooses to stay reliant on others. Jesus chooses to be vulnerable with us. Jesus chooses to stay poor with us. Reliant, vulnerable, and poor. This is what it means to be human.

Br. Danny Warwick
Campus Minister

Monday, February 23

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 & Matthew 25: 31-46

Today, in the first reading from Leviticus, we understand the true meaning of Lent and our call during this time: to be holy. It states, “Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.” It also reveals what it means to be holy by listing actions to avoid: do not steal, lie, swear falsely, dishonor God’s name, defraud or rob a neighbor, withhold wages, curse the deaf, or stumble the blind; or act dishonestly, show favoritism, spread slander, harbor hatred, seek revenge, hold grudges against neighbors, or sin.

After guiding us on the negative behaviors to avoid, it also emphasizes the positive actions we should take, such as judging fairly and reproving the wicked. Essentially, all these positive deeds can be summed up in the command to love our neighbor, which Lent invites us to practice. Lent encourages us to give up certain ordinary pleasures like food, but it also challenges us to engage more in positive actions we may have neglected.

When reflecting on Jesus’s challenge in the gospel and at the final judgment, the standard for judgment is based on the positive actions we took rather than the negative ones we avoided. Jesus said, ‘I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was ill, and you cared for me; I was in prison, and you visited me,’ and so forth.

Examining Christ’s challenge in the gospel reveals that our actions extend beyond helping only the deserving to include those who may be less deserving. Consider the person in prison—traditionally seen as someone who has broken the law. Christ teaches that when we visit them, we do it for him, implying that our good deeds should have no limits. They should be directed toward both the virtuous and the flawed. Our duty is to serve everyone as Christ did. Only by doing this do we truly live out the full meaning of Lent!

Fr. Gerald Azike, PhD
Pastor at St. James Catholic Church & Tuesday CBU Daily Mass Celebrant 

Tuesday, February 24

Matthew 6: 7-15

The Gospel makes me think of another Bible scripture that states, “ask, and it will be given to you.” It is quite simple to believe that anything you ask for in prayer will be granted. Jesus, however, teaches us that we should not pray aimlessly or without pause. Even if we pray for what we believe we want, God already knows what you need before you even ask him. It is not that God doesn’t hear us—in fact, he loves it—but when we lose faith in him, we choose to take charge when, in reality, God is in charge of everything for our benefit.

Since God desires the greatest benefit for us, he should always have control over everything. It was like when I once felt that I did poorly in an internship interview because they went on to hire other applicants, making me feel incapable of any internship. However, I came across an Instagram post a few days later that said that “if a door was closed, that means something better is coming.” Because I know that God is preparing me and creating something better for me, I am not as anxious about applying for an internship again. So, make this Lent the one in which you not only pray constantly, but also trust in God’s goodness for you.

Jimena Garcia
Marketing Major
Class of 2027

Wednesday, February 25

Jonah 3:1-10

Today’s scriptures tell the story of Jonah and the people of Nineveh.  Jonah is called by God a second time to deliver a message to the city; so, Jonah dutifully packed his belongings and made his way to the city.  Within a day of his arrival, his message began to take hold – people believed and turned from their worldly ways.  The king was also moved by the message, as he began to deny himself of food, water, and other possessions – setting the example for his citizens.  For heeding Jonah’s words and the sacrificial manner in which they repented, the people were rewarded by God – avoiding the impending wrath.

While my overview of the scripture is brief, I was reminded of these three truthsfor my own Lenten journey:

• When God calls, I must answer.  Ignoring God’s call the first few times doesn’t mean He will stop.  He calls the unworthy to do work worthy of Him daily.
  The Work requires sacrifice.  Just as Jonah followed the Spirit into unknown territories and trusted God to spread His message, may I, too, be so bold in my walk with God to sacrifice without knowing the reward.
  We are forever changed by the rewards of God.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  If we truly listen, obey, and trust God – his rewards can change us forever.

In the routine and demands of life at CBU – both professionally and personally – I pray that this Lenten season will be an opportunity to park the scooter and listen to God’s call in my life.  A call to be more intentional in my relationships with colleagues and students; to serve others with a sacrificial heart; and to see how God uses me to build His kingdom on earth. 

May your Lenten journey also be one of listening, answering, obeying, and sacrificing – finding reward in the worthiness and love of God.

Wilson Phillips
Administrative Coordinator, Student Affairs
CBU Alumnus, Class of ‘08

Thursday, February 26

Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

The Golden Rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you.
As I grow older, this sentence becomes more and more impactful for me as I encounter the youth entrusted to my care. Of course, there is a sense of authority that is present between our relationships, but I feel as though this quote from the Gospel of Matthew keeps me from letting the power get to my head. The same can be said for other aspects of our life; This Gospel speaks of giving a rock to someone who asks for bread, a snake when they ask for a fish. What if we were to sit back and look at the encounter we have with Jesus on our journey home as he sits on the street asking for money; do we give him something like the chips that came free with our sandwich because we did not want them, or do we give him the sandwich that we have been thinking about all week? The sacrifice that we give for those less fortunate than us can come back ten times. Only then will we truly understand the eyes that Jesus embodies. 

This Lenten season, make the sacrifice that seems too broad and radical to make. There is no measurement of what that sacrifice is, but the emotion deep within our hearts will repair the brokenness that we may be feeling or the brokenness that is healed deep down with a Band-Aid and not proper attention. Give yourself to God’s love and don’t ever look back. When God asks for a minute of your time, give him 15 minutes; It will be reflected in your voice towards others as well as the faces of those you encounter each and every day. 

Br. Christian Camacho
Coordinator of the McLaughlin Social Justice Institute of Lasallian Practice

Friday, February 27

Ezekiel 18:21-28

Turn away, turn from, turning turning turning. What does it mean to turn away from something? Ezekiel turns us both toward and away from sin in this passage; after all, in order to turn away from something you must first turn towards it and in order to turn away from it, you must recognize what it is you turn from.

In The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov the author writes, “You pronounced your words as if you refuse to acknowledge the existence of either shadows or evil. But would you kindly ponder this question: What would your good do if evil didn’t exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared? After all, shadows are cast by things and people. Here is the shadow of my sword. But shadows also come from trees and from living beings. Do you want to strip the earth of all trees and living things just because of your fantasy of enjoying naked light? You’re stupid” (Burgin and Tiernan O’Connor translation, page 305).

The argument that you cannot have light without dark is a tired one. But God does not ask us not to sin. He asks us to turn away from evil. Mustn’t we, then, sin in order to recognize sin?  If, as Ezekiel implies, virtue is a way and a practice of good, then mustn’t evil be a way and a practice made of many sins?

God turns towards us. We turn towards him in protest. We don’t want to change. He listens and responds in kind. God recognizes evil as we recognize our own shadow. Perhaps, then, we cannot disdain sin. We cannot dismiss the shadows in our stupidity. Instead, we can only dismiss the practice of evil. We all cast shadows, but we do not have to cast darkness.

Michal Kennel
Admissions Counselor, Admissions

Saturday, February 28

Deuteronomy 26: 16-19 & Matthew 5: 43-48

In Deuteronomy: 26: 16-19, Moses tells the people, “You will be a people sacred to the Lord.” They are chosen – but not for privilege. They are chosen for responsibility. They are called to live differently. To keep the commandments. To reflect God’s character.

As a Coach, I do not have a team unless I choose carefully. Hundreds of hours go into the recruiting process.  Who will be the right fit? Who can accept the responsibilities? Who can succeed in living the life of a student-athlete? Every chosen athlete must embrace expectations; they represent something bigger than themselves:  the program, the university, the tradition. When a player puts on their jersey, it needs to be with pride and commitment – wearing the jersey means something.

In Lent, we are reminded that wearing the name ‘Christian’ means something.
We’re set apart, but not because we are better. We are set apart because we are called to a higher standard.
Then Jesus raises the bar even higher: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

In basketball, competition is natural. There are rivalries. Physical play. Trash talk. Hard fouls. Officials you disagree with.
It’s easy to love your teammates.
It’s easy to love the fans when they’re cheering.
It’s easy to love when we’re winning.

But Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” That doesn’t mean you don’t compete hard.  It means you compete with integrity.
You will still defend your opponent, you will still take your opponent’s ball, and you will still block your opponent’s shot.

As a Coach, I have told my players:
We don’t control the refs. 
We don’t control the crowd. 
We do control our response. 

That’s the Gospel in basketball language.

Christian maturity shows up in how we respond when tough things happen: 
We don’t get the call
We don’t get the minutes
We lose at the buzzer-beater
Someone disrespects us.

Lent asks: Can we respond differently?

John T. Reilly
Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Lenten Reflections, March 1 – March 7

Sunday, March 1

Matthew 17:1-9 

In today’s Gospel, we witness the Transfiguration — a moment when Peter, James, and John see Jesus in radiant glory and hear the voice of God: “This is my beloved Son.” It is an extraordinary mountaintop experience. But if we are honest, many of us hear this story with familiarity rather than awe.
What if we had been there? What if someone we loved suddenly revealed something divine and overwhelming? Would we believe our eyes? Would we run to tell everyone?

Peter wanted to stay on the mountain. But Jesus leads them back down — back to uncertainty, conflict, and ultimately the cross. The glory was not meant to be an escape from reality, but strength for what lay ahead.

And then Jesus tells them to wait. Tell no one… not yet.

Waiting is hard — especially for college students living in a world of deadlines, decisions, and constant pressure to know what comes next. You may be waiting for acceptance letters, internships, clarity about your major, healing in a relationship, or a sense of direction for your future. You may be praying for answers that seem slow to come.

Lent is a season of waiting — not passive waiting, but active preparation. It invites us to trust that God is at work even when we cannot see the full picture. The disciples did not understand the Transfiguration until much later. Only in hindsight did its meaning become clear.

Often, our own lives work the same way. The moments that shape us most deeply are not always the loud or dramatic ones, but the quiet seasons of perseverance, discernment, and trust.

As Lasallians, we believe God is present not only on the mountaintop, but also in the classroom, the residence hall, the library, and the everyday rhythms of life.

This Lent, perhaps the invitation is not to have everything figured out, but to listen more deeply, walk faithfully, and trust that God’s timing — however mysterious — is leading us toward who we are meant to become.

Kerry Conroy (’99)
Director of Formation for Mission, Christian Brothers of the Midwest (Lasallian District Office Staff) 

Monday, March 2

Daniel 9:4-10 

As I continue to sit with this passage, Daniel 9:9 stands out to me the most: “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.” There is something so comforting about that. It brings a deep sense of security to know that no matter what, we already have someone to run to. When we mess up, when we fall short, when we realize we have made a mistake, God is not surprised. He already knows. And yet, He is still there, ready to receive us with mercy and forgiveness. 

I think of the love of my earthly parents for me. Even though they are human and imperfect, they have still shown me a love that feels unconditional. They have seen me at my best and at my worst. They have watched me make mistakes, fall short, and sometimes not follow their guidance the way I should. Yet they still love me, care for me, and are always there for me. If I can understand that kind of love from people who are still sinful and imperfect, then I cannot even begin to fathom the vastness of God’s love for us. His love is deeper, greater, and more faithful than anything we experience on earth. Even when we turn away, even when we mess up, even when we fall back into old habits, He never stops being there. 

That kind of security is something we all need in our lives. During Lent, we are not striving for perfection, but for relationship. Many of us choose to give up something or add something to our daily routine during this season. We might fast, pray more, read Scripture, or serve others more intentionally. But life still moves, and there may be days when we forget. There may be moments when we fall back into old habits. We might miss a few days of devotion or struggle to stay consistent. 

In those moments, it is so important to remember Daniel 9:9. Instead of feeling like a failure or becoming discouraged, we can simply turn back to God. We can pick up where we left off. We do not have to hide or feel ashamed. God already knows our weaknesses, and He does not expect perfection. What He desires is sincerity. He desires hearts that are willing to return to Him again and again. 

MyRanda White
2025-2026 Lasallian Fellow
Civil Engineering Major
Class of 2026

Tuesday, March 3

Matthew 23: 1-12

The Mass readings for today are very much in the spirit of Lent. They challenge us to forsake sin and embrace justice and right. The Gospel indicates that, to do so, we must embrace humility: ‘”Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12)

The example the Church presents today is St. Katharine Drexel. She exemplifies the verse from Isaiah in the first reading: “Make justice your aim. Redress the wronged. Hear the orphan’s plea. Defend the widow.”

Katherine Drexel was an heiress who dedicated her life to serving the African American and Native American people. She felt they were neglected. Her original intent was to sponsor others in this work, but when she presented it to the Pope, he suggested she do it herself. Thus, a new Religious Community – Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

It’s always easier to say that “Someone should do something” about a situation. My experience was that I felt “someone” should do more for the educational service of the poor. When I met the Brothers in St. Louis, I heard the call. Someone was me! I am no Katherine Drexel, but I am grateful for this call. Every year during Lent, that call is renewed and enables me to work for justice and right.

Br. Alan Parham, FSC
Catechist & Former CBU Campus Minister

Wednesday, March 4

John 8:12

“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” – John 8:12  

There’s no doubt that our world holds real darkness. We see it in heartbreaking news stories or troubling events nearby, and we feel it in seasons of stress, grief, uncertainty, or struggle. Sins committed by us or against us can also feel like darkness. Yet darkness is the perfect environment for light to shine. 

Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world.” Unlike lights in our homes or workplaces, which can fail, His light does not flicker, cannot be switched off, and is not limited to one place. It shines in creation, hope, love, and even our most difficult moments. 

Light shows us where we are and where to go. During Lent, as we pray, fast, reflect, repent, and spend time with God, we may notice parts of our lives that feel dark or out of balance — stress, unhealthy habits, or broken relationships. This awareness is not meant to discourage us but to invite growth, healing, and renewal. Jesus’ light restores and brings life, not shame. 

Many sit in darkness because they do not realize they can follow Jesus or share in the promise: “whoever follows me will have the light of life.” Whoever means anyone — no exclusions. Background, culture, accomplishments, struggles, or circumstances do not disqualify us. Jesus is opening a door for all. All are welcome to follow Him. 

Choosing to follow Him is the key to moving forward — moving out of darkness, despite darkness, through darkness, and with the Light. Following Jesus may look like choosing patience, offering kindness, making time for prayer and Scripture, saying no to unhelpful patterns, or encouraging someone in need. His light can appear as peace, clarity, guidance, truth, awareness for growth, and the chance to begin again. 

I once said, “Keep going. There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” to encourage someone. Now, I probably won’t just say that because I realize the light isn’t only at the end, but even in life’s dark tunnels, we can have light along the way. Following Jesus gives constant access to the Light of life, guiding the way with hope and direction. It’s much easier to move forward through difficulty when the path is illuminated. 

To follow Christ is to move with faith when things feel dark, trusting that God’s presence is stronger than any darkness. Darkness does not have the final word. May we embrace the light and let it guide us during this Lenten season and beyond. 

RaKesha Gray
Associate Director, Campus Ministry

Thursday, March 5

Jeremiah 17: 5-10

When we hear “TLC,” we probably start to think of tender love and care. You know the tender comfort in hard times, loving warmth when life feels cold, Careful reassurance in uncertainty. While God certainly provides that kind of TLC, this passage leads us to think deeper. What if the TLC we truly need is not just emotional comfort, but a Trustworthy, Loyal Confidant?
This scripture contrasts two kinds of trust, trust in man and trust in the Lord. The one who trusts in human strength is described like a shrub in the desert, which is dry, isolated, and ultimately unable to thrive. When we rely solely on people, status, or even our own understanding, we risk spiritual uncertainty. People disappoint us. Circumstances shift. Even our own judgment can be flawed. Placing ultimate trust in temporary sources leaves us spiritually parched.
On the other hand, the one who trusts in the Lord is compared to a tree planted by water. Its roots stretch deep. It does not fear when heat comes. Its leaves remain green, and it continues to bear fruit even when faced with challenges. This idea is showing us the stability, nourishment, and the greatness of God’s grace. Trusting God does not mean challenges disappear; it means we are kept and guided through the mist of them.
This passage also reminds us that the heart is deceitful above all things. This is a humbling truth when you think about it because, we often believe our feelings are reliable guides, yet our emotions can lead us wrong. The slightest event or circumstance can sway our heart and influence us to make rash decisions. We can justify wrong choices, ignore wise opinions, or convince ourselves that we are stronger than we are. This is where God shows us that he is more than just a comforting figure, but he is trustworthy. Scripture says, “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” This shows that he sees what we cannot see in ourselves, he will search our hearts for our true intentions to back up our thoughts and actions.
Calling God our Trustworthy, Loyal Confidant means we trust him with more than just our circumstances, and more than the closest people to us in this world. We trust Him with our plans, our motives, our fears, and our secrets. He is loyal in every season, not just when life feels easy. He does not betray confidence, grow apart from us, or change His character. He will always remains steady.
So, is God the TLC you need? Not only the tender love and care that soothes your emotions, but the Trustworthy, Loyal Confidant who anchors your life.

Manning Davis
Black Student Association Vice President & Men of Excellence Treasurer 
2025 -2026 Lasallian Fellow
Accounting Major
Class of 2026

Friday, March 6

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Suffering is something everyone experiences, whether it’s mentally or physically. It’s part
of life. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why we suffer? Is it because of the bad
decisions we make? Is it because we have become used to it? There are many reasons why
suffering exists, but I believe the main reason is that God allows it for a purpose. I believe that through suffering, God is testing not only our strength but also our faith in Him.

An example of this can be found in the Book of Genesis, chapter 37, in the story of
Joseph. Joseph was rejected by his own brothers and sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. He suffered betrayal from his family and was later falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. Altogether, he spent about thirteen years as a slave and a prisoner.

But why did Joseph suffer so much? What did he do to deserve it? The truth is—nothing.
Joseph was innocent. He did not commit a crime or betray anyone. So why would God allow an innocent man to suffer for so many years? It was part of building him up.

Sometimes God places obstacles in our lives that feel impossible to overcome. In those
moments, we may feel lost, stressed, or even hopeless to a point where you don’t even know what to do in life. But as it says in First Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

In life, suffering will come. But it is up to us whether we allow it to break us or strengthen us. My biggest advice is to not lose faith in God. Trust that He is guiding you through whatever you are facing. As Romans 8:18 reminds us, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.”

Just like Joseph, who endured years of suffering but later became second in command
over Egypt, your suffering may be preparing you for something greater. So do not stress over what you cannot control. Have faith in the Lord. He knows why you are going through what you are going through, and He will guide you through it and bless you in ways you may not even expect

Bryan Menjivar
Co-chair of Spirituality and Evangelization Committee, Campus Ministry
Class of 2029

Saturday, March 7

Micah 7:18-20

Guilt and sin are the heaviest things a person can carry. I think about this all the time, all the times in my life I’ve sinned, and how that weighed me down for the longest time. Thinking that I would never be forgiven by God.

We often weigh ourselves down by dwelling on the mistakes we have made, but we forget to consider how we can be forgiven or even become better. It’s not one mistake that defines who you are or who you will become because our merciful God has always been good to us, taking us in his love even when we feel like we aren’t doing the right thing. In Micah 7:18-20, it states how God will not stay mad at us forever; He will be delighted when showing us clemency. He mentions the promise God made to our ancestors, Abraham and Jacob, promising blessings and countless descendants. Coming to show God will never punish us or stay mad at us forever as long as we know our wrongdoings and come with an open heart. God has always had compassion for us. God knows we aren’t perfect. Although sin isn’t accepted by God, he allows us to have choices; it’s up to us if we want to choose to always make him happy or not.

Veronica Gomez
Student Minister, Campus Ministry
Class of 2029