Reflection by Catherine Schuster '12, meet Fr. Obermiller, C.S.C. and more
Reflection by Catherine Schuster '12, meet Fr. Obermiller, C.S.C. and more
November 2017 · Issue VIII

Scripture Reflection

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
We are all faced with little moments of darkness in our lives, whether they are small worries about work or relationships, feelings of inadequacy or failure, or fear of what tomorrow brings. I often find that it is more difficult to turn to God in these times than in those of greater crisis. It doesn’t seem like I should need His help or comfort when it is something so small. Doesn’t God have bigger problems in the world to deal with? Shouldn’t I try to handle the small things on my own, turning to God only when I have exhausted every other option? 
When these small shadows find their way into our lives, it’s easy to shut our eyes tight, trying to block out all the negative. What we really should be doing in these moments is continuing to fix our eyes on the Lord and to seek Him out. He is our light! He sends us constant reminders of His presence, and so often it’s through the little things like a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand. If we are too caught up in doing it all on our own, it is easy to miss these moments of brightness!

When I hear the words “of whom shall I be afraid?” I am reminded that God does not desire any fear or worry in my life. Instead, He is there to continually light my way amid even the smallest shadows and to be my everlasting strength. He is our stronghold! All it takes from us is the courage and faith to trust in the Lord, to keep our eyes fixed on Him, and to be open to the light that surrounds us every day.
- Catherine Schuster ‘12

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: 
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Best of

Portland Magazine
"Pitter & Drench" 
by Brian Doyle
“Question from prospective student’s mother, asked of me as we stand by the chapel on the most beautiful sunlit October day you ever saw in your life: Does it rain here?"
Read here.

Prayers for the Pilot Family
We pray for those affected by the recent tragedies in Texas and New York city. May God's light and healing presence be with all those who mourn.

Meet our C.S.C.s
Name: Edwin H. Obermiller, C.S.C.
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Assignment at UP: I was first assigned to UP from 1995 to 2006, serving as Associate Director and then Director of Campus Ministry, as well as the Pastoral Resident in Villa Maria and Corrado Hall. I returned to UP in 2013 and currently serve as Special Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations and the Pastoral Resident in Kenna Hall.
Years as a C.S.C.: Final Vows, August 27, 1994
Favorite Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 4:10  
"Serve one another with the gift each of you have received, thus becoming good stewards of the varied graces of God."
Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel [Patron Saint of my childhood parish].
What made you choose the Congregation of Holy Cross?  A number of reasons: the ministry to education, the commitment to parish ministry, and the priority and commitment to community life. I also appreciate the diverse, prayer-filled, and humorous band of men called the Holy Cross priests and brothers.
What is one way you see God’s light in everyday life? Often through the care and compassion that others have for those in need.
What are your hobbies? Biking, kayaking, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest [remember I grew up in Ohio]. I studied to be a chef before I went to college, so I love cooking, and it is a great means of relaxation for me—lately, I have been experimenting with a variety of focaccia bread recipes. The women of Kenna are delighted to be my “taste-testers.”
What is your favorite thing about UP? Three favorites: 1) I have never taken for granted the Holy Cross community of priests and brothers that I get to be a part of here at UP—what a blessing! 2) I get to work with some amazingly talented faculty and staff who could work anywhere but choose to contribute to this Holy Cross ministry here at UP…awesome! 3) I treasure our students. They are bright, curious, passionate, and often hilarious. One day, I would love to get all of the Holy Cross religious who have lived in the UP residence halls to write a collection of stories about living among our students. It would be filled with stories of faith, hope, and lots of laughter!”
ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS  |  CAMPUS MINISTRY  |  GARAVENTA CENTER
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