Reflection by Katrina Welborn, meet Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., and more
Reflection by Katrina Welborn, meet Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., and more
December 2017 · Issue IX

Scripture Reflection

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23)
I love the theme of light within the Sacred Scriptures. Since I was a child, I have always been drawn to light, and I have been particularly moved by the Light of Christ in my life.
As a child, I enjoyed singing “This Little Light of Mine,” as it was the first song that taught me I am a light within this world because Jesus is in my heart. No amount of darkness could squelch that for me as a child--in the words of the song, no bushel was going to hide my brightness. As I grew older, the physical sight of a candle helped me to connect with the Divine. Candles bring a smile to my face: they are simple in nature but can provide such brightness in a dark room. When watching a sunrise, light is present long before we are able to see the sun. It only takes a glimmer of light to contrast the darkness of a great space, and that is miraculous.
In a world where darkness is the topic of most news stations, the titles of most articles, and instantly at our fingertips through social media, light is something I choose to focus on. During my junior year at UP, I was invited to sing at Mass. This initial invitation led me eventually to go through RCIA (the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) during my senior year. I became Catholic at the Easter Vigil two weeks before graduation. The Easter Vigil is filled with the theme of light: the fire, the Paschal Candle, the lights coming back on, and light referenced in the responses and the songs. That light continues in every moment of every day for me. I see the Light of Christ every time someone overcomes a struggle or challenge, however small. I see that Light when someone does something kind for a stranger. I see that Light when I read an encouraging or uplifting article on Facebook. I see that Light when I enjoy a cup of tea with a close friend while we talk about life. April 19, 2014 changed my life forever--not only because I came to believe with all of my heart that I am a child of the Light, but also because I came to believe that there is light in others and in the world.
The Light of Christ shines through God’s continuous love. This gracious love never dies, just as God’s mercies never end. The past three years of my life would not have been possible without Christ’s Light within my heart, because I would not have been able to see the Light in others or in a world that chooses to focus so much on the darkness. As the scripture above says, the light each morning shows the newness of the Lord’s love and mercy, and that gives me hope.
“Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today.”
–Christ, Be Our Light, Text and tune: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957, © 1993, 2000, Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP.
- Katrina Welborn ‘14

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: 
2nd Sunday of Advent, Cycle B
1st Sunday of Advent, Cycle B
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Cycle A

Best of

Portland Magazine
"Bruised With Joy" 
by Brian Doyle
“I have been typing furiously on behalf of the University of Portland for twenty years, which is a hilarious and terrifying sentence for all sorts of reasons, but after some four thousand days on The Bluff, I find myself more absorbed than ever before."
Read here.

Prayers for the Pilot Family
We pray for those who have been affected by the wildfires rampant throughout Southern California. 

Meet our C.S.C.s
Name:  Mark L. Poorman 
Hometown:  Phoenix, Arizona
Assignment at UP:  President
Years as a C.S.C.:  39
Favorite Scripture Passage:  Romans 12: 9-18:  "Let your love for one another be sincere; hate what is evil; hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, but be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, offer your hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.”
So foundational.  So practical.  Such a pathway to inspiration.
Favorite Saint:  St. Francis de Sales (Patron saint of educators; author of the immensely practical spiritual guide, “Introduction to the Devout Life.”  I have had a quote from St. Francis de Sales under the glass of my desk for many years:  “Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who takes care of you today, will take care of you tomorrow and every day.  Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you the unfailing strength to bear it.  Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."
How did you know you wanted to be a priest?  I often say when I am kindly asked by students or others about the genesis of my vocation that I have a two-hour answer, and I have a two-minute answer.  An excerpt of the two-minute answer is this:  In the end, I suppose I can’t say that I knew I wanted to be a priest. In the course of time, formation, experience, and prayer, I came to see that God was calling me to the vocation of a priest in Holy Cross, and I came to believe that it was the best way for me to try to give back to God the immeasurable gift of my life.  Because of God’s faithfulness, I am profoundly happy as a priest.
What made you choose the Congregation of Holy Cross?  First — the people who are in the Congregation.  Second — the wide range of work we do in and for the Church — education, parishes, missions, direct service to the poor.  Third — we take community seriously, and our brotherhood is a deep and abiding support for each of us.
What is one way you see God’s light in everyday life?  I love being around students, and it’s easy for me to see God’s light in their sincere questions; their striving for good; and their struggles to be generous and trustworthy and loving.  One other way is in the beauty of nature — so living in Oregon is a real blessing!
What are your hobbies?  Hiking, reading, traveling, and I’m a fledgling (bad) golfer.
What is your favorite thing about UP? I’m going to have to list more than one.  I love the close-knit community; the sense of openness and informality; the dedication of the people who are connected to the place — faculty, staff, parents, families, alumni; the goodness and the diligence of our students; the devotion to our Catholic mission — by Catholics, by people of other faith traditions, by people of no faith tradition.  And I love the fries at the Pilot House.
 
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