Published a few times each week, members of the Keenan Kommunity will offer brief reflections, perspectives, poems, and creative pieces around the various themes of Advent. I invite you to take a few minutes to pause, reflect, pray, and deepen your inner spiritual life.
In a world that moves at TikTok speed and beckons us to buy everything in sight, we, the consumers, become consumed in the chaos of the final days of the year. Advent, however, is an intentional time set aside to pause and prepare for the coming of the Christ child. So, instead of falling into the trap of buying presents, I invite you to engage with these reflections as a means to be more present yourself.
May the work of your fellow Knights be a gift to us all.
- Christmas Presence – December 25, 2021
As a child, I loved Christmas. The mystical arrival of presents. The all-encompassing joy from everyone. The melody of songs floating in the air. Each moment was wrapped with happiness. Even with all the joyful splendor, I remember always wanting more, and not just more presents, but more answers. How… Read more: Christmas Presence – December 25, 2021 - AP’s Warm Message of Love – December 21, 2021Andrew Peters (Class of 2024), offers a brief message from the Keenan Chapel.
- Christ is on the Way! – December 19, 2021
On this Third Sunday of Advent, let us revisit the Fr. Lou’s homily from the First Sunday of Advent. 1st Sunday in Advent – November 28, 2021 – Homily The season of Advent, upon which we now embark, taps into perhaps our single, deepest and most persistent experience as a… Read more: Christ is on the Way! – December 19, 2021 - There is a Santa Clause – December 9, 2021
Happy Thursday Keenan Knights! I hope your final exam preparations are going well! Regardless of where you are in such preparations, the prospect of your exam performance likely includes some element of hope. Hope that you’re a good guesser, that the one unit you didn’t study for is missing from… Read more: There is a Santa Clause – December 9, 2021 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2021
Happy Advent and Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception! As we continue to approach the Christmas season, I’m sure we all have gifts on our minds—what we want to receive and what we want to give to others. As meaningful as these presents are, it’s important for all of us… Read more: Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2021 - Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary – December 5, 2021
I invite you to consider yourself in Mary or Joseph’s circumstance. Realize the gravity of this all-too-familiar story. An angel just appeared to you, a virgin, and announced that you are not only to have a son but that you will be the means by which Christ enters the world. … Read more: Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary – December 5, 2021 - Brothers in Faith: Advent and Ramadan – December 4, 2021
Although I come from a different faith background, I understand the concept of Advent. A preparation period to ready yourself to receive a special gift from God. As a Muslim, my preparation period is the holy month of Ramadan, a four-week-long period of fasting, patience, and worship where we try… Read more: Brothers in Faith: Advent and Ramadan – December 4, 2021 - A Stop at the St. Joseph’s River – December 1, 2021
I stop my run to gaze down at the St. Joseph’s River from the bridge above. Little blobs of foam float past flashing under the bridge below me. The wind rushes downstream, and the sun fades into the horizon. I think of all my troubles: relationships, grades, embarrassing moments. They… Read more: A Stop at the St. Joseph’s River – December 1, 2021 - Childlike Wonder – Sunday, November 28, 2021
Happy Christmas season Knights! I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, whether that was spent back at home, here at Notre Dame, or somewhere else surrounded by family and friends. As we all arrive back to Keenan, I’d like to start off our advent reflection series by talking about… Read more: Childlike Wonder – Sunday, November 28, 2021