Reflection by Austin Veiga '13 & '15, meet Rev. John J. Donato, C.S.C.
Reflection by Austin Veiga '13 & '15, meet Rev. John J. Donato, C.S.C.
March 2018 · Issue XII

Scripture Reflection

"Jesus said to them, ‘The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.’”
John 12:35-36
When I reflect on Jesus’ apostles and early followers I often gravitate towards their raw human emotion upon the death of their Lord and Savior. When Jesus says these words in the book of John, they have no idea that he is foreshadowing his own death. I cannot even begin to imagine the chaos, confusion, and sadness that overcame the apostles when Jesus was crucified. Nor can I imagine the pure joy, courage, and awe that possessed them when He came back and visited them in that small room. The nice thing about the story of Jesus Christ is that death was never the end. Through His resurrection Jesus passed His light on through the members of the early church and to us now.

So now what does this passage from John mean to us today? It is a reminder that when we base our lives and actions in the works of Jesus Christ, our light shines bright to light the way for ourselves and those around us. As Christians, we are not guaranteed an easy life. The road is often rough, and our lights often don’t shine as bright as we would like them to. For many people, when the road is dark, they turn to those close to them to help them light the way. Other people turn to prayer, and others turn to service to reinvigorate their light. Regardless of how you brighten that dim light, we are constantly reminded that our foundations in Jesus Christ give us a flame that will burn forever, even after death.
- Austin Veiga '13 & '15

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:  
4th Sunday in Lent, Cycle B
3rd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B
2nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B
1st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Best of

Portland Magazine
"A Tangle of Bearberry"
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"That would have been the perfect time, alone in the quiet car in the quiet rain on the silent road among the gnarled little trees."
Read here.

Spring Blessing
Let us welcome the sunshine and spring showers and the new life that comes in the season of spring.

Meet our C.S.C.s
Name: Rev. John J. Donato C.S.C.

Hometown: Addison, IL

Assignment at UP: Vice President for Student Affairs

Years as a C.S.C.: 31

Favorite Scripture Passage: John 6, 68  “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”

Favorite Saint: St. Joseph (Husband of Mary and Patron of Italy)

How did you know you wanted to be a priest? Wow! In brief: My earliest memories related to church, faith, and wanting to be a priest all centered around attending Mass with my family. Eventually that attraction to the Eucharist, whether participating in Mass as an altar server or praying privately or with classmates at Eucharistic Adoration (or Benediction), became a focal point of my elementary Catholic school experience. Fostered over the years, I sensed I had a loving relationship with Jesus and desire to serve in the Church. These thoughts kept growing and filled my heart with joy. I remember thinking, “I would love doing what the priest is doing…and I would make it fun, too!” So, I entered the seminary and the rest followed.

What made you choose the Congregation of Holy Cross? When I met the first members of Holy Cross, the men were normal guys, yet diverse and interesting. I could sense that the Holy Cross community valued the unique gifts each member brought. The sense of brotherhood was palpable and inviting. I felt at home immediately.  

What is one way you see God’s light in everyday life? I see God’s light in the little human moments all around me. Whenever I hear laughter in the residence hall where I am living, watch a student perform a song in a recital or students offering the Sign of Peace at Mass, I see God’s light shines forth. The same is true whenever our dedicated faculty or staff seemingly without effort teach their subject matter or student affairs staff open the world to a new view through critical lens of inclusion or privilege, God’s presence is there illuminating my mind and heart once again.  

What are your hobbies? Jogging, hiking, wine-tasting, and guitar-playing

What is your favorite thing about UP? The people: students, faculty and staff! And the beauty of the city lights from The Bluff and the chiming of the bells from the Bell Tower at night! All delightful, daily gifts to me!
ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS  |  CAMPUS MINISTRY  |  GARAVENTA CENTER
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