Reflection by Annie Voegele '19
Reflection by Annie Voegele '19
Light From The Bluff
October 2019 - Issue 31

Scripture Reflection

“Then the Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will pass by.’ There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the Lord was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.”
1 Kings 19: 11–12
In this passage, the prophet Elijah stands on the mountain and waits for the Lord to pass by. Elijah expects to find the Lord in the mighty elements, but then realizes that the Lord is not in the violent storms. Instead, God is found in the “silent sound.” I see myself in this passage–too often I find myself waiting upon God in the big adventures of life instead of listening to Him in the simplest moments.
A few months after graduating from UP, I came back to Oregon to satisfy an unmet goal: summiting one of the mighty Oregon mountains, the South Sister in Bend. I set out on the journey and, although there were moments of exhilaration and wonder along the way, my deepest feelings were of restlessness and discomfort surrounding my departure from UP, a place of immense joy and growth for me. During the ascent, I was expecting this “mountaintop experience” where I would feel the intense joy and wonder of God’s creation and His love for me. But although the summit was glorious by all standards, my soul was lacking peace.
This moment of restlessness led me to reflect–what were those simple, silent moments where I needed to encounter God? For me, those moments are rooted in prayer and the Eucharist, which is often called the “Source and Summit” of our Catholic faith – meaning that all things come from Christ, present in the Eucharist, and lead to us encountering Him there. The Catechism says that “in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.” When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass, we are receiving food that nourishes our body and soul and gives us the graces of right relationship with Him. 
Peace fully returned when I realized that I encounter God most fully not in the (quite literal) summit of a mountain, but in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Pope St. John Paul II had a great love for Eucharist, saying that “(Jesus) is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you…it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life.” For me, my “thirst” is for Jesus, the Source and Summit, who I know will be guiding me in my new journey in post-graduate life. Jesus is hidden in the simple, silent appearance of the Eucharist, but is always there to meet, renew, and restore us.
It’s easy for us to miss where the Lord is hidden in the quiet moments. How is Jesus calling you back into His presence?
Reflection by Annie Voegele '19
Each month we feature a member of the UP community using Scripture to reflect on a time of transformation or growth in their faith. If you're interested in contributing to a future issue, please email kuenzi@up.edu for more information.

Best of Portland Magazine 

Image of boy with baseball, from front of Portland Magazine, Summer 2008 issue
"Rec League" by Brian Doyle
“So I coached, so to speak, that first year, and then again the next year because none of the fathers would do it, and again last year because, heck, I had always been the coach for as long as anyone could remember..."
Read more here.

Media of the Month

St. Teresa of Avila Quote
"Cassie Pease Designs" by Cassie Pease
This month's resource is artwork created by graphic designer Cassie Pease, who combines faith with beautiful and colorful imagery. Her website is full of free digital wallpapers and cover photos, many of which are inspired by the saints, that are free to download.
Discover the website here.

Corners of Campus

Cross in Dundon-Berchtold Hall Cross in Dundon-Berchtold Hall
This month we are taking a look inside the newest academic center on The Bluff, Dundon-Berchtold Hall, which was recently officially dedicated at the end of September. Like the other academic buildings on campus, a crucifix hangs on the wall of each classroom in Dundon-Berchtold. What is different about these crucifixes is that each comes with a unique background and story. The crucifixes come from locations such as Austria, El Salvador, Hawai’i, and Tanzania. They are also crafted from what one might consider unconventional materials, including blue glass, coconut wood, fish bone, and tile.
The UP Student Newspaper, the Beacon, featured an in-depth look at each crucifix. Click the link below to see the rest of the photos!
Full Story
Is there somewhere on The Bluff that you have felt drawn into prayer or reflection? Or a place where you've experienced a powerful moment of faith? Let us know so that we can feature it!

A Quote for October

“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.” Saint John Paul II Feast Day: October 22
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