Katherine Byrne '20 Reflects on Advent
A Manhattan College sophomore reflects on Advent and the meaning of Christmas.
Written by Katherine Byrne '20:
As Advent is upon us, we are called to remind ourselves what the true meaning of Advent is and how the coming of Jesus Christ reflects onto our own lives. In early December, I had the opportunity to give a talk about the founder of our school, St. John Baptist de La Salle, to the Serviam Gardens Bible study community. Through this talk I reflected on my time here at Manhattan College and how St. John Baptist de La Salle has influenced me:
“De La Salle is present in my life every day at Manhattan, and is someone anyone can look up to. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be getting the education I have right now. So as I am going through my college career, I find myself wanting to take advantage and cherish the education and extracurricular opportunities afforded to me as best I can.
Most importantly, I try to get out of my comfort zone! It was really hard at first to try something new and different, but this has only helped me grow as a person through my Lasallian faith. Although I am only a sophomore here at Manhattan, I see how fast time goes. Time literally passes within a blink of an eye and it is my moment to utilize the time I have and to go for what I want. We cannot control a lot of things in our lives, like time. What we can control is how we experience each moment of each day. When I am reminded about De La Salle’s life, I am reminded to utilize each day I have at Manhattan.
Through De La Salle’s journey, I am sure there were roadblocks in his way, but that didn’t keep him from moving on and going for what he believes in. He called upon himself to live out his mission. Although he might have died hundreds of years ago, De La Salle is the embodiment of how a person living under the presence of God should live: fully and with everything they have. De La Salle inspires me to find my purpose.”
Time is a constant theme during Advent. It reminds us that God is in control of our time. He makes us think differently about the present and the future. He shows us that we should value the present and cherish the future. Throughout this Advent season, I am reflecting on what I do with the time given to me in the present moment. My experience at Serviam Gardens allowed me to muse on the true meaning of Advent, the coming of Jesus. The Advent season gives us vision to our lives and all the possibilities within our reach. Through this year’s Advent celebration, I am reminded of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s sacrifices and mission. It not only makes me thankful, but blessed that I am able to live out my mission at Manhattan College, because of him.