Fischer Graduate Residences: Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria
“So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” (Matthew 17)
This line from today’s Gospel may seem out of place in our prayer for Advent. Isn’t Advent about baby Jesus? Isn’t it preparation for Christmas, which is a season for joy? Why would we focus on Christ’s suffering during this season of joy?
While Christ’s passion and death are not the focus of the Christmas season, they do have an intimate part in it.
Today, we are in the chapel of Notre Dame’s graduate student community, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Catherine of Alexandria was a martyr who followed Jesus’ call to take up her cross and follow him.
Jesus was a child born with a mission: the child born to die, “born that we no more may die.” Christmas celebrates the birth of this child who will save us from our sins.
We invite you to pause here in the chapel of Catherine of Alexandria and ponder the mission of the child who will soon be among us—the infant who will redeem us from our sins.
Thank you for your beautiful reflection. May you have an enjoyable and blessed Advent.
Thank you for your commentary. It was a meanful statement. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Suzanne Milon