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August 2017 · Issue V

Scripture Reflection

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.
(Psalm 119:105)

Camping as a kid inevitably included an argument over who gets to hold the flashlight and shine the way – down a path or to find the tent. But anyone who’s followed a child “guiding the way” knows that shining the light dead ahead isn’t effective for avoiding rocks and roots. You learn, through experience, about the lumps and bumps hidden underfoot. You also learn that shining your light directly on your feet doesn’t help either. Neither tactic gives you a full picture of what is ahead.

We all make that mistake in life at one time or another (or, for some of us, again and again). We look only at the step we’re on or have just taken, we obsess about the immediate, and lose sight of where we’re going. Or we’re looking too far ahead while trying to walk, stumbling and losing our footing along the way.

Over time, we come to learn that balance is key – and that sometimes we must let go, and let God guide us. We know His light exists. It’s there and ready at our command – God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Studying and knowing the word of God gives us the foundation needed to guide our decisions, our actions, our life.

- Shannon Shoul '97

Would you like to contribute a scripture reflection for an upcoming issue of Light from The Bluff? Email alumni@up.edu for more information.

Fractio Verbi

In his weekly Fractio Verbi podcast, Fr. Charlie Gordon, C.S.C., breaks open each Sunday's readings in 4-6 minute reflections:

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Best of

Portland Magazine

"Gus & Travis"

by Brian Doyle

What is the University of Portland about way down deepest in its bones? This.

Read here.

"The Song of Summer"

by Dave Devine '97

Bathing a son, "haltingly, reverently, singing, untamed, impolite, praying...

Read here.

Meet our C.S.C.s

Name: Fr. Charlie McCoy, C.S.C. (full name is Charles Frederick McCoy)

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Years as a C.S.C.: Final Vows: August 30, 2008

Assignment at UP: Associate professor of mathematics, local superior of the Holy Cross community at UP, pastoral resident in Villa Maria, chaplain/advisor of Voice for Life (student pro-life group), chaplain of women's and men's tennis teams (starting this year)

Favorite Scripture Passage: The road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35

Favorite Saint: LOTS of saints I love. Hard to pick one. How about two? St. Joseph and St. Therese of Lisieux ("The Little Flower")

How did you know you wanted to be a priest?
A number of experiences as a kid. I felt very close to Jesus as I made my first Communion. At a random Sunday Mass, when I was about 8 years old, as I paid attention to the priest's homily, I thought, "I could do that."

What made you choose the Congregation of Holy Cross?
A number of reasons. The ministry in higher education. I was a grad student at ND (for math), and I liked their preaching at daily and Sunday Mass, and I had good experiences with them in Confession. In these various settings, these priests struck me as sincere in their desire to help those around them grow closer to God and grow as human beings. They also seemed like a pretty diverse, balanced, and normal group of guys.

What is one way you see God’s light in everyday life?
In people's faith and perseverance during times of real challenge.

What are your hobbies?
I think the only thing I do or am interested in that could be called a true hobby is juggling. But here is a list of non-professional interests: exercising; watching sports (esp., football, basketball, tennis, golf, Olympics); reading (I am particularly fond of essays on culture, politics, literature, etc.); viewing some movies and TV (this was more in the 1990s and early 2000s; the only current show I watch is "The Middle"); following the budding musical career and other antics of my nieces Lucy and Audrey.

What is your favorite thing about UP?
The genuine human goodness I experience in our students.

alumni@up.edu | 503.943.73285000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203

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