#study in usa after 12th

[ritamglobal]

What is the minimum percentage required for study in USA for bachelors?

For Indian students planning to study in USA after completing 12th grade, there's no set minimum percentage required. Instead, American universities consider various factors like GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and essays. Overseas education consultants in India like Ritam Global, help students navigate this process, offering guidance on university selection, applications, and visa procedures. We ensure students present strong applications, maximizing their chances of admission to desired institutions. Read More: Minimum Percentage Required For USA After 12th

[futureinklink]

Best USA study visa Consultancy in Vadodara

Get the expert assistance by the industry-leading study visa consultants in Vadodara that double your USA student visa approval chances. List of best USA education consultants in Vadodara to study with free guidance with scholarships, top course/university selection, visa and financial assistance

[arunseodelhi]

Undergraduate Courses in USA for International Students

For many years, overseas students pursuing higher education have overwhelmingly chosen the United States. The United States is a popular travel destination because it has top-notch universities, a diverse population, and occasionally excellent possibilities. An overview of graduate programs in the US and their many advantages are given in this article. Find your ideal job by learning about the top engineering colleges in the US.

[educationvibes1]

MSc in usa for indian students

Students from India have been coming to the United States of America (USA) to earn their master's degrees for a number of years now, and this decision remains popular due to the high standard of education offered there as well as the numerous opportunities for research.

The following information may be beneficial to you if you are a student from India who is interested in pursuing an MSC (Master of Science degree) in the United States of America:

Research and Shortlist Universities: Researching universities in the United States of America (USA) that offer Master of Science degrees in the topic that interests you should be your first step. Think about things like the reputation of the programme, the expertise of the faculty, the prospects for research, the location, and the funding choices. You can narrow down your options for higher education by consulting websites that provide rankings and information, a study in USA for Indian students, such as U.S. News & World Report and QS World University Rankings.

Admission Requirements: Check out the prerequisites for enrollment at all of the colleges and universities that interest you for MSC (Master of Science degree) in the United States of America. Standardised test scores (like those from the GRE or GMAT), a statement of purpose, standardised test scores (like those from the TOEFL or IELTS), an application form that has been filled out in its entirety, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardised test scores (like those from the GRE or GMAT) are typically required.

Standardized Tests: Get yourself ready for the required standardised tests, and then go ahead and take them. Depending on the area of specialisation, several Master of Science in Computer Science (MSC) programmes in the United States of America (USA) require applicants to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). In addition, subject-specific exams could be necessary for admission to certain universities. Check the admissions guidelines of each individual college to which you are applying and make your plans accordingly.

English Language Proficiency: The majority of colleges require overseas students, including those from India, to demonstrate an adequate level of fluency in the English language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are two examples of exams that are commonly used to accomplish this goal. Be sure to research the prerequisites for each university's language programme and get yourself ready for the examination.

Financial Aid and Scholarships: Conduct research on and look into the many alternatives for financial aid and scholarships that are open to overseas students. There are a lot of colleges and universities that provide financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to help students afford their education and cover their living expenses for a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSC) in the USA. In addition, additional financial opportunities, such as scholarships offered by the government or donations from private foundations, can also be accessible. masters in marketing in Australia, and study in the with scholarship, For further information, please get in touch with each university's office of financial aid.

Application Deadlines: Take note of the application dates for each university you are interested in attending for a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSC) in the USA. Deadlines can be different for domestic and international candidates, depending on the school. Deadlines can also fluctuate from year to year. If you want to enhance the likelihood of having your application accepted, you should get it in before the deadline.

Visa Process: If you are accepted into a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSC) at a US university, you will need to apply for a student visa. The most common student visa for Indian students is the F-1 visa. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information about the visa application process.

There is a substantial amount of variation in the cost of tuition for a Master of Science (MSc) programme in the United States of America based on the school, the particular programme, and the region. In addition, the cost of tuition for overseas students is frequently higher than the cost of tuition for native students. Despite the fact that I am unable to supply you with up-to-date information regarding individual colleges or courses of study, I am able to give you an overall picture of the price range for tuition.

The tuition fees for an MSC programme in the United States of America (USA) can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year for overseas students. This is the typical cost. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this is only a rough estimate and that the actual tuition costs at a given university may be either higher or cheaper.

Comment below if studying for an MSC in the USA interests you. You may also contact us by going to our website at www.educationvibes.in, giving us a call at the following number: +91-7217214416, or sending us an email at admission@educationvibes.in.

[prashantielts]

Study in the USA: Your Pathway to Academic Excellence

Are you considering pursuing higher education in the United States? Look no further! In this article, we will delve into the exciting opportunities and benefits of studying in the USA. As an expert admission counselor at Affinity Education, I am here to guide you through the process and help you embark on a transformative educational journey. So, let's get started!

The Allure of Studying in the USA

The United States has long been a top destination for international students seeking exceptional education and unparalleled opportunities. Renowned for its prestigious universities and cutting-edge research, the USA offers a rich academic landscape that attracts students from all corners of the globe.

Advantages of Pursuing Education in the USA

 World-Class Universities and Diverse Programs

With over 4,000 higher education institutions, the United States boasts a wide array of universities renowned for their academic excellence and diverse range of programs. Whether you aspire to study engineering, business, humanities, or the sciences, you will find numerous options tailored to your interests and career goals.

High-Quality Education System

The American education system is globally recognized for its high standards and rigorous academic curriculum. Professors are often leading experts in their respective fields, and the emphasis on critical thinking, practical application, and research fosters a holistic learning experience.

Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

One of the standout features of studying in the USA is the abundance of research opportunities. Universities actively engage in groundbreaking research across various disciplines, allowing students to participate in projects that contribute to global innovation and advancement.

Cultural and Social Experiences

Studying in the USA provides an enriching cultural and social experience. You will interact with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a global perspective and lifelong friendships. Moreover, the USA offers a vibrant and dynamic society with a myriad of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that cater to all interests.

Conclusion

Studying in the USA is a transformative experience that offers unparalleled academic excellence, cultural immersion, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. With world-class universities, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant social environment, the USA stands as a top destination for international students. Begin your journey today and unlock a world of possibilities.

For More Info. Visit:

[edustan]

The majority of the world's top universities are located in the United States, which acts as the hub of learning for the entire world. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the US is home to one out of every four of the finest universities in the world.

It is important to note that despite prohibitive tuition expenses, many students continue to select the best states in the United States for studying in USA. About 35% of all students in the United States are Indian. Without a question, it is the best option for Indian students looking to pursue higher education abroad.

[summer-blues-stuff]

A culture post for the girlie pops (and non-girlie pops) looking to write Pavitr Prabhakar accurately.

(P.s- I’m Indian and live in India and have been to Mumbai multiple times so shhh- )

(P.s.s- all i know about the spider verse comes from the movies so I’ll be focusing more on the Indian aspect. )

So in honour of atsv coming on Netflix-

FOOD- Pavitr live in Mumbai (mumbattan) so he probability of him eating “butter chicken or naan” (traditionally north Indian dishes) on a daily basis is almost nonexistent. (This is not to say he won’t have them occasionally but much of what people think is indian food comes from stereotypical North Indian food, pavitr lives in South Indian)

Popular food of Mumbai includes- vada pav(street food), panipuri(another street food), pav bhaji (not a street food), bhelpuri and sevpuri( you guessed it a street food) and for more every-day food- we have dal-roti or dal-chawal etc

(Edit: I forgot to mention this but, a lot of people are vegetarian either by choice or by religion and don’t eat meat (eating beef is HEAVILY and i mean heavily frowned upon.)

SCHOOL- In india we don’t have middle school or high school, we have grades.

We also have public and private schools (and unlike the USA, private school is not for the uber rich, middle-class families typically send their kids to private school and government(or public) schools are basically free or really cheap). Thus, Pavitr probably studies at a private school.

Keeping that in mind, Students from grade 1-12 study in one building and students actually sit in the same class while the teachers move from class to class. There is also something called school boards but for all our sakes, he studies in a school that follows CBSE guidelines. Now according to google, he’s around 15-16 so he’s in 10th or 11th depending on the school he goes to.

We have these really important exams called the “board exams” ( we just call them ‘boards’) And they are given twice by the students once in the 10th grade and once in the 12th grade and these are like really really important, kinda think of them as psats or sats(lmk if anyone wants to know more about boards) and if he’s in 10th he’ll be giving the boards in May.

After which he’ll pick a stream (medical, non-medical, commerce or failure) that he’s gonna study in 11th. There is a lot of emphasis on studies in India ( if you get good marks in 10th it’s considered that you’re good or ‘set’ for life but thats kinda bs) and it’s really competitive, students often go to tuition (think of them as an after-school school) for hours after school. Maths and science tuitions are the most common.

Uniforms (a half-sleeve shirt with a tie and pants or knee length shorts for guys) are also mandatory and are strictly regulated along with hair and nails. (Two braid or plaits for girls with below the shoulder hair and typically short hair for guys that have to be oiled) so im assuming that he gets called out a lotttttt about his hair, and teachers are constantly on his ass about cutting it which I think is funny af. The school timings are typically from 8-3 and tuitions are typically from 4-7.

It would also be super-cute if his aunt massaged his hair with oil (it’s considered an act of service and something people do to show their love)

10th grade especially is really really stressful in india and if home-boy cries himself to sleep every night I wouldn’t be surprised. So make him supppeeerrrr strrreeeessssed.

Name- Pavitr “Prabhakar” is a Hindu( a religion of sorts) name.

It’s derived from the Sanskrit word “prabhākara” which means “light maker” (from prabhā 'light' + -kara 'causing'), an epithet of the sun. So to those saying he’s a sunshine boy, his surname means light maker (do with that what you will).

Now, for his first name “Pavitr” however there is no exact meaning as, the name is most probably derived from Pavit ; maybe Pavitra(a typical girl’s name) if you’re pushing it. The meaning of Pavit is Love or A lovely and pious individual.

Edit: apparently pavitr does have it’s own meaning and it means pure

So his name roughly translates to lovely (edit: pure) sunshine boy.

Transport- Now i know that he’s spider-man but when he’s not, the most common way to travel in Mumbai is by an automobile (also called auto or auto-riksha).

One of these things ^^ and these ‘go by the meter’ (you basically pay for the distance you have covered and a meter calculates this.) these things are everywhere. You call for one of these by raising your hand and an auto stops in front of you and you ask if they will take you to the place you wanna go to (“bhaiya, _____ lekar chalo ge?”)

There can only be 3 people max on one auto (not including children) as per local government policies.

Another common way to travel is by the subway or local trains. ( and contrary to popular beliefs they are not filled to the brim with people). Cars are not that common as there is a lot of traffic. Like a lot.

Language- Most indians speak at least 2-3 languages- English, Hindi and a local language or two. Since they’re in Mumbai Pavitr probably speaks Marathi. Some people also know Sanskrit (but that’s not that common nowadays).

(Edit: People typically don’t speak in just one language, they typically use a mix of atleast two or three languages which change according to the region they are in. For example- English and hindi is the most common but some may mix in their regional language or dialect)

Also spider in hindi is makri (makdhi?) so i think it would be super funny if people called him makri (makdhi?) man.

People in India also curse a lot (not in English though) (though not in front of parents obviously) and the more people get angry the stronger accent the becomes.

Housing- housing in Mumbai is super expensive, and most people live in flats or apartments rather than houses, Mumbai is considered to be one of the most expensive places to own a home in the world just because of the sheer number of people there.

All flats in mumbai have air- conditioning units in them because it. is. so. humid and winter lasts for a month or two in comparison.

Culture- Mumbai is kind of regarded as one of the culture hubs of India, a lot of up and coming artists along with famous superstars live in Mumbai. There are a lot of exhibitions, shows and whatnot happening all the time.

Mumbai is also more progressive then the rest of India and pride parades do happen here but there is still a lot of stigma around it

(Edit: PDA in public is almost taboo, doesn’t matter who anyone is—kissing in public might actually land you in jail)

Teens typically wear jeans, shorts and graphic tees rather than kurtas or salwar-kamez (traditional clothing) .

Traditional clothing is typically worn on festivals such as holi( the festival of colour( some people wear white suits and kurtas)) or Mumbai’s most celebrated festival- “Ganesh Chaturti” (which is a religious festival religious festival to honour the Lord Ganesha.

Sports- cricket is the most watched sport in India a lot of kids play it on the streets or in parks and gardens, and its an India vs Pakistan match is an event in which everyone in the family (some even invite friends over) sit together and yell at the tv.

Mumbai is a city in which time stops for no one, and people are super busy. This doesn’t mean that people there are rude in fact they are some of kindest and helpful ppl you’ll ever meet(not including the obligatory rude af asshole that are in every community) especially in a city that never stops.

India is also not a country that lives in rags we used to be called sone ki chidiya (or bird made of gold) before the British Invasion so please for the love of god don’t depict everyone living in slums and poverty. The national currency is rupees and again i cannot stress this enough even though there is poverty in india, that doesn’t mean there isn’t prosperity. India is a developing country so keep that in mind while you write.

Religion and caste - This is a very touchy and sensitive subject in India and you should probably research a lot or stay clear of it in general ( especially the caste system its messed up and just stay clear of it) but Gayatri’s father is Sikh or at least punjabi so I’m assuming she is too. ( if she’s from Punjab or its surrounding area, then she probably speaks punjabi or her father most probably does).

(Edit: there are a lot of different religions in india —almost too many to count— and every single one has their own gods, prayers and rituals so please please please research before you write)

But something all Indian (boys) are taught to do is to touch their elders feet to show/ask for respect (and “ashirwad” I don’t know what this translate too directly in English but think of it as blessings)

Anyways here is a not very brief overview on mumbai and pavitr , let me know if you have any questions or if something isn’t really clear, English isn’t my first language so I apologise for the errors.

Please feel free to ask me anything ill do my best to answer back. : D

if you actually find this long ass post helpful and write a fic or something please tag me i would love to read it.

[ritamglobal]

Is Studying in the USA an Option After 12th Arts?

Looking to Study in USA after 12th Arts? Here's your complete guide! Pursuing higher education in the USA after completing 12th Arts opens doors to diverse opportunities. To navigate this journey smoothly, consider consulting the best study abroad consultants in chennai India. They provide expert guidance on admission procedures, course selection, visa processes, and more. With their assistance, you can choose suitable colleges and universities, ensuring a fulfilling educational experience. From exploring cultural diversity to gaining global exposure, study in USA after 12th Arts promises a transformative journey towards academic and personal growth.

[futureinklink]

Study in USA visa consultants with scholarship for Indian Students

Indian students must get a student visa in order to be permitted to study in USA. Student visa in USA is regarded as Tier 4. You can apply for your Tier 4 visa once the university of your choice confirms you’ve been given a place in their institution. For Indian students, the USA and Canada have always been favorites as Study Abroad destinations. 

[deeptrashwitch]

Elliot "Pride" Stevens

Name: Elliot Stevens

Nacionality: American🇺🇲

Age: 24

Date of birth: 12th july 1998 - Fort Worth (U.S.A)

Residence: Killeen, Texas, USA

Afilliation: U.S Army / 75th Ranger Regiment Specters

Rank: Private

Callsign: Pride (Current)/ Charlie 3-8

Occupation: Combat engineer

Height: 1.90 m/ 6'2" ft

Weight: 95 kg

Blood type: AB-

Pronouns: He/him

Sexuality: Straight

Languages: English (Native), Japanese, Greek, Afrikáans

AFILLIATIONS

Specters members:

-Captain Alicia Marchant (alive)

-Lieutenant Luke Michaelis (alive)

-Sergeant Jackson Blackwell (alive)

-Sergeant Edward Jackson (alive)

-Corporal Noah García (alive)

-Corporal Elijah Wilson (alive)

-Airman First Class Nicholas Fowlett (alive)

-Private Marcus Lombardi (alive)

-Private Alexander Christensen (alive)

-Private Francis Scott (alive)

CIA:

-Chief Station Dominique Wright (alive)

Underworld:

-Liù Xiao Chen (alive)

FAMILY

-Harrison Stevens (Father) (alive)

-Sarah Stevens nee Hayes (Mother) (alive)

-Mirai Hayes (Aunt) (alive)

-Daniel Stevens (Uncle) (alive)

-Enzo Stevens (cousin) (alive)

-Jimmy Hayes (cousin) (alive)

PERSONALITY

-He is arrogant and stubborn, and the first time he met Jackson and Noah, it played against him and caused problems with most of them. But when he left that on the side, he's really responsible, intelligent and, as well as Luke, analytic.

-During the conjoined missions he stays a bit away from the other team, usually because he doesn't consider them an intelectual challenge. Francis stays near him, though, the cartographer is the one who smack some sense into him.

-Elliot usually overthinks almost everything, trying to understand all the variables, but ends up stressing himself. Maybe that's why people compare him with a surly cat when he's stressed.

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Fort Worth, Texas. His family are mainly veterinarians, on the other hand a cousin is an economist and the other one is a photographer. As a kid, he grew up surrounded by animals and ended up loving almost any kind of animals, to his parents delight.

Elliot thought of being a veterinarian as well, but during his school life he discovered that he is amazing with the math and the physics. For many years he investigated about some branches of engineering, and found about the combat engineers, which called his attention. He talked with his parents, who were worried about him, but asked to take a year or two to think about it.

A year and half later, he enlisted into the Army and engineers school, and he studied until he almost fainted as he was on basic training. As he finished his training and title as engineer, it was known he was the best on his class, which helped him at the moment to be accepted on the special forces. From then on, he became arrogant, mostly because all of his superiors were amazed with him and praised his abilities insted of his co-workers'.

During his deployments, he perfected his tecnique and his speed on the field, which only boosted his ego. When he was on a deployment on a mountain range, he met Luke as a Sergeant, who at first was also reading his file in awe, but they lost contact after two missions more. And when the rumors about the new team were flying around, he knew they would look for him, considering the pattern.

And he was right, but he got slightly offended that the Captain sended the Sergeant and the Corporal instead of come herself. But when the reunion started, he felt in danger for a second, the Corporal was ready to beat the shit out of him and the Sergeant looked at him with something near to hate. Soon he went to Black Tomb and the day the Captain arrived again, he shivered and surprised to see how Michaelis was now the Lieutenant of the team.

And Luke was dissapointed...

Elliot spoke with Alicia and felt so little, like never before, and also he walked outside that office feeling regret for his own comments. Soon Luke walk to him, this time without a trace of the awe of before, just telling him one think with a harsh voice. Nowadays, he thanks that he said that during his first time there, but at the moment it affected him.

"Listen, the time has passed and I noticed something. You aren't as special as you think, everyone here are basically geniuses on their fields and if you continue thinking that you're some itty-bitty shining star...I'll be the one to bring you back to earth and throw you out of here" Luke growled to him that day "bring your fucking act together, Stevens, get down of your cloud"

SKILLS

-He is specialized on detecting many tipes of land mines, and even some acuatic mines too, to leave it for Noah. Also he prepares obstacles for the enemies squads and clears the paths for the other squads that come after the main one.

-Main and static part of the infantry squad, and he goes better during frontal attack missions, mostly if they have time to prepare traps.

COMBAT

His combat style is defensive, but will take a turn to the offensive if it's needed. His first choice weapon is also a Bowie knife. Elliot will never admit it, but he refuses to learn another kind of combat, not out of arrogance, but because he isn't sure he'll be at a good level in time for the missions.

TRIVIA

-His main hobby is solve puzzles, any kind of puzzle he can get, he'll try to solve it. Inside his room has a collection and everyone always gift him a new one on his birthday.

-Most part of the time he's inside the hangars, so he interacts more with Luke and Edward, also with Francis because the younger one is the one who keep him down to earth.

-He also doesn't have a car, and everyone prays for him to stay like that. Elliot...likes a bit to much Gran Turismo, and it could be great if only he knew how to drive as a sane person. Also Elijah lent him his Camaro once and he almost crashed it down...since then he's banned from using any civilian car out the base, except on special ocations.

-More than once, Alicia has seen him let some stray cats inside the base, but she never said anything. Mostly because she also got attached to them and is thinking to adopt one (and call it gun powder)

-His callsign speaks for itself, and it wasn't something that his peers gave him to joke or in a good mood. On the contrary, it was a way to almost insult him because of his attitude. But Elliot took it anyway because it fits him.

-He doesn't have any favorite food, and is really picky to eat. But when he enlisted, he forced himself to eat all the MRE's out in the field and the lunches when they're on the base. He eats everything, but doesn't enjoys it, maybe only Alexander's biscuits.

Song

Moodboard

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

9th August >> Fr. Martin's Reflections/Homilies on Today's Mass Readings for

the Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) Virgin, Martyr (Matthew 25:1-13)

And for

Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:24-28).

Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) Virgin, Martyr

Gospel (Except USA) Matthew 25:1-13 The wise and foolish virgins.

Jesus told this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, “The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.” At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out.” But they replied, “There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves.” They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’

Gospel (USA) Matthew 25:1-13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Reflections (7)

(i) Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Edith Stein was born on the 12th October, 1891 to a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany. Though she became agnostic in her teen years, through her passionate study of philosophy as an adult she searched after truth and found it in reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. In 1922, she was baptized a Catholic, and in 1933 entered the Discalaced Carmel of Cologne where she took the name of Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. During the Nazi occupation she was sent to the Carmel in Echt, Netherlands. When the Nazis occupied the Netherlands all Jews and Jewish converts were arrested. Sr. Teresa Benedicta and her sister Rosa were arrested at this time. She was gassed and cremated at Auschwitz on 9th August, 1942. A woman of great intelligence and learning, she left behind a body of writing notable for its doctrinal richness and profound spirituality. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II at Cologne, Germany on May 1, 1987 and canonized on October 11, 1998. The gospel reading chosen for her feast day is the parable of the ten bridesmaids from Matthew’s gospel. The lamp of Teresa’s faith burnt brightly from the moment she gave her life over to the Lord, having read the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila. Her faith in the Lord was a light in the awful darkness of Auschwitz. When the Lord came to her at the hour of her death in that inhuman place, she was there ready to meet him with the lamp of her faith burning brightly. That same light was lit in our own lives at our baptism. Our calling is to keep that light of our faith, the light of the Lord, alive in our hearts, no matter how great the darkness that bears down upon us. If we are to be faithful to that calling we need to keep turning in prayer towards the one who spoke of himself as the light of the world and promised that whoever follows him will never walk in darkness.

And/Or

(ii) Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Saint Teresa Benedict of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, was born a Jew in 1891 in Poland. She had abandoned her Jewish faith by the time that she was thirteen and declared herself an atheist. A brilliant student, she gained her doctorate in philosophy at the age of twenty three. In the wake of the awful slaughter of World War 1 Edith began to feel a growing interest in religion. This culminated one night in 1921 when she happened upon the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century Carmelite nun. With fascination, she read through the night and by morning concluded, ‘This is the truth’. She was baptized a Catholic on the following New Years Day in 1922. Edith felt that by accepting Christ she had been reunited, by a mysterious path, with her Jewish roots. She went on to obtain an academic post in the University of Munster in Germany in 1932. However, with the rise of Nazism she was dismissed from her post because she was considered a Jew. The loss of her job enabled her to pursue her growing attraction to the religious life. She applied to enter the Carmelite convent in Cologne and was formally clothed with the Carmelite habit on April 15, 1934. She took as her religious name, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Believing that her presence in the convent endangered the sisters, she allowed herself to be smuggled out of the country to a Carmelite convent in Holland. In 1940 the Nazis occupied Holland. She was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. In the words of this morning’s gospel reading, she was ready when the bridegroom came, and went with him into the wedding banquet of eternal life. In 1998 she was canonized as a confessor and martyr of the church by Pope John Paul II. She sensed her forthcoming death and came to understand it as an act of solidarity with her Jewish people, an act of atonement for the evil of her time, and a conscious identification with the cross of Christ. She is an inspiration to all who are seeking the truth today. Her life inspires us not just to seek the truth but to live the truth of Christ, even if it means the loss of everything else. She calls out to us to keep our lamps burning, to keep the flame of faith alive in our hearts, even in the darkest night. She invites us to share her gospel conviction that the light of Christ shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.

And/Or

(iii) Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

The gospel reading for the feast of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) is the parable of the wise and foolish virgins from Matthew’s gospel. Of the ten virgins, only five of them had their lamps burning to greet the arrival of the bridegroom at the house of the bride. They were wise enough to have sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning for the long haul, so that, when the bridegroom was unexpectedly delayed, they were not caught out, unlike the five whose oil had run out by then. The image of the wise women calls out to us to keep faithful watch until the end so that our light continues to shine and never dims. A earlier verse in Matthew’s gospel at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount suggests what this involves, ‘let you light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven’ (5:16). When we are faithful to the good works called for by the Sermon on the Mount the light of our faith and love will shine for all to see. The challenge is to be faithful in our good works so that, even though our light may grow dim from time to time, it never goes out, and, when the Lord comes to meet us at the end our lives, we are there to greet him with his light shining through us. Such as person was Edith Stein. She was born a Jew in 1891 in Poland. She had abandoned her Jewish faith by the time that she was thirteen and declared herself an atheist. A brilliant student, she gained her doctorate in philosophy at the age of twenty three. In the wake of World War 1 Edith began to feel a growing interest in religion. This culminated one night in 1921 when she happened upon the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century Carmelite nun. With fascination, she read through the night and by morning concluded, ‘This is the truth’. She was baptized a Catholic on the following New Years Day in 1922. She obtained an academic post in the University of Munster in Germany in 1932. However, with the rise of Nazism she was dismissed from her post because she was considered a Jew. The loss of her job enabled her to pursue her growing attraction to the religious life. She applied to enter the Carmelite convent in Cologne and was formally clothed with the Carmelite habit on April 15, 1934. She took as her religious name, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Believing that her presence in the convent endangered the sisters, she allowed herself to be smuggled out of the country to a Carmelite convent in Holland. In 1940 the Nazis occupied Holland. She was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. The light of her faith and love continues to shine for us today.

And/Or

(iv) Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Saint Teresa Benedict of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, was born a Jew in 1891 in Poland. She had abandoned her Jewish faith by the time that she was thirteen and declared herself an atheist. A brilliant student, she gained her doctorate in philosophy at the age of twenty-three, in 1914. In the wake of the awful slaughter of World War 1 Edith began to feel a growing interest in religion. In 1921 when she happened upon the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century Carmelite nun. With fascination, she read through the night and by morning concluded, ‘This is the truth’. She was baptized a Catholic the following New Year’s Day in 1922. Edith felt that by accepting Christ she had been reunited with her Jewish roots. She went on to obtain an academic post in the University of Munster in Germany in 1932. However, with the rise of Nazism she was dismissed from her post because she was considered a Jew by the Nazis. The loss of her job enabled her to pursue her growing attraction to the religious life. She applied to enter the Carmelite convent in Cologne and was formally clothed with the Carmelite habit on April 15, 1934. She took as her religious name, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Believing that her presence in the convent endangered the sisters, she allowed herself to be smuggled out of the country to a Carmelite convent in Holland. In 1940 the Nazis occupied Holland. She was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. In 1998 she was canonized as a confessor and martyr of the church by Pope John Paul II. In the parable Jesus tells in today’s gospel reading, only some of the bridesmaids had their lamps lighting when the bridegroom arrived. When a child is baptized, the priest says to the parents, ‘keep the flame of faith alive in his/her heart’. The parable calls on us to keep that flame of faith alive in our hearts, in good times and in bad. The dark experiences of life can sometimes cause the flame of our faith to flicker or even go out. Saint Teresa Benedicta kept the flame of her faith burning brightly in the most difficult of human situations, and she is an inspiration for us to do the same. There was a time in her life, in her youth, when the flame of her faith did go out. It was the reading of a saint’s life which fanned her faith into a living flame again. Her experience reminds us that when the flame of our own faith grows weak or is even extinguished, it can always be relit. The Lord can relight that flame once more. He can touch our hearts through some human experience, such as the reading of a saint’s life, as in the case of Saint Teresa Benedicta. The Lord is always working to find a way through to us.

And/Or

(v) Feast of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Saint Teresa Benedict of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, was born a Jew in 1891 in Poland. She had abandoned her Jewish faith by the time that she was thirteen and declared herself an atheist. A brilliant student, she gained her doctorate in philosophy at the age of twenty-three, in 1914. In the wake of the awful slaughter of World War 1 Edith began to feel a growing interest in religion. In 1921 she happened upon the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century Carmelite nun. With fascination, she read through the night and by morning concluded, ‘This is the truth’. She was baptized a Catholic the following New Year’s Day in 1922. Edith felt that by accepting Christ she had been reunited with her Jewish roots. She went on to obtain an academic post in the University of Munster in Germany in 1932. However, with the rise of Nazism she was dismissed from her post because she was considered a Jew by the Nazis. The loss of her job enabled her to pursue her growing attraction to the religious life. She applied to enter the Carmelite convent in Cologne and was formally clothed with the Carmelite habit on April 15, 1934. She took as her religious name, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Believing that her presence in the convent endangered the sisters, she allowed herself to be smuggled out of Germany to a Carmelite convent in Holland. In 1940 the Nazis occupied Holland. She was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. In 1998 she was canonized as a confessor and martyr of the church by Pope John Paul II. Edith Stein responded to the Lord’s call. In the end it brought her into a wilderness, the awful wilderness of Auschwitz. When Jesus responded to the call of God the Father, it led him to the wilderness of Calvary. We can all find ourselves in something of a wilderness because of our commitment to the Lord and his way. Yet, in today’s first reading, God promises his people that he will speak to their heart in the wilderness. The Lord does not abandon us in our wilderness; he speaks to our heart when we are at our most vulnerable. God spoke a word of love to Jesus on the cross which brought him through death into risen life and he did the same for Edith Stein in her wilderness. The Lord will speak a word of love to our heart in our own wilderness moments. The Lord remains faithful to us, especially when we walk through fire. The life and death of Edith Stein encourages to remain faithful to the Lord in bad times as well as good. In the language of the parable in today’s gospel reading, she inspires us to keep the lamp of our faith burning brightly when all seems dark.

And/Or

(vi) Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Edith Stein was born in 1891 in Poland, the youngest of seven children of a Jewish family. She was a brilliant student and gained a doctorate in philosophy at the age of 25. She lost her Jewish faith as a teenager. At the age of thirty she came upon the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila. It captivated her and she became a Catholic a year later. In her forties, she felt a call to the religious life and she became a Carmelite in 1932 in the convent in Cologne. Both Jewish and Catholic, she fled to Holland when the Nazis came to power. When the Nazis invaded Holland, she was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on 9th August 1942. There were key moments in her life when, in the words of today’s gospel reading, she heard the call, ‘The bridegroom is her! Go out and meet him’, and, having heard that call, she was ready with her lamp lit to go and meet him. Her reading of the life of Saint Teresa of Avila was one such moment, her becoming a Catholic was another, as was her decision to become a Carmelite nun. At different moments in her life, she heard the call of the bridegroom and responded generously. Gradually, over time, she came to see where the Lord was calling her. From a declaration of atheism in her teens she became a martyr of the church, a woman who lived and died for the heavenly bridegroom. Her life reminds us that if we keep seeking after truth, the Lord will respond to our search and will draw us to himself. Our journey to the Lord may have many twists and turns, as it did for Edith Stein, but if we are faithful to the deepest desires in our heart, we too will hear the call, ‘The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him’, and we will be ready to respond.

And/Or

(vii) Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Saint Teresa Benedict of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, was born a Jew in 1891 in Wroclaw, present day Poland. She had abandoned her Jewish faith by the time that she was thirteen and declared herself an atheist. She showed great ability in her philosophical studies and gained her doctorate in philosophy at the age of twenty three. She became a popular lecturer and writer. In the wake of the awful slaughter of the First World War, Edith began to feel a growing interest in religion. This culminated one night in 1921 when she read the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila, the sixteenth century Carmelite nun. With fascination, she read through the night and by morning concluded, ‘This is the truth’. She was baptized a Catholic on the following New Year’s Day in 1922. Eleven years later she joined the Carmelites at Cologne. She took as her religious name, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She was moved to the Carmel of Echt in the Netherlands, to avoid the growing Nazi threat. However, in 1940 the Nazis occupied Holland. She was captured and sent to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. The bridesmaids in today’s gospel reading kept their lambs burning through the hours of darkness as they waited for the bridegroom to arrive to celebrate the wedding banquet with his bride. Saint Teresa Benedicta kept the light of her faith burning brightly through the dark times of the rise of the Nazis. There could be no darker place that Auschwitz and yet there were various lights in that awful darkness, the light of faith, the light of hope, the light of loving kindness. Saint Teresa’s light of faith, hope and love burned brightly in that darkest of places. She inspires us to keep the light of our faith burning brightly when the times are dark. Her prayerful communion with the Lord kept her faith burning brightly. When the darkness of evil puts our own faith to the test, it is our prayerful communion with the Lord that will keep the flame of our faith burning brightly, until that final day of our earthly life when the Bridegroom comes to meet us and invites us to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

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Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Except USA) Matthew 16:24-28 Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour. I tell you solemnly, there are some of these standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom.’

Gospel (USA) Matthew 16:24-28 What can one give in exchange for one’s life?

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

Reflections (5)

(i) Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospels Jesus often speaks in the language of paradox. One of the most striking instances of that is to be found in this morning’s gospel reading, when Jesus says, ‘anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it’. Another way of expressing that is to say, ‘if we seek ourselves only, we will lose ourselves, whereas if we reach beyond ourselves towards God and towards his Son Jesus we will find our true selves’. If we look to ourselves alone and our own needs and preferences, we risk losing ourselves, whereas if we look towards the Lord, which will always mean looking towards others, we will find life in this world and eternal life in the next. Jesus expressed this fundamental paradox of his teaching in another way when he said, ‘give and it will be given to you’. In other words, it is in giving that we receive. Our own experience of life teaches us the truth contained in this paradox. It is when we look beyond ourselves to others, to the Lord present in others, that we experience the Lord’s own joy, the Lord’s own life, which is a foretaste of the joy and life of the kingdom of heaven.

And/Or

(ii) Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus declares that if anyone wants to become his followers they must be willing to deny themselves and take up their cross. Self-denial is not greatly in vogue at the present time. You are more likely to hear talk of self-fulfilment. In calling for self-denial Jesus is not trying to extinguish all joy or fulfilment in life. The self we are to deny is what we might call the false self, a way of life that is self-centred and self-absorbed, in which everything revolves around myself. This is the self that wants to be at the centre of everything and is constantly seeking its own satisfaction and gratification. Jesus declares that if we are to follow him, we must lose this false self. The loss of this false self will be painful; denying our self in this sense will entail a way of the cross. Yet, Jesus declares that this saying ‘no’ to our false self is the way to true life, to discovering our true self, ‘if anyone loses his life for my sake, he will find it’. Our true self, our best self, is the self that is open to the Lord’s love, that allows itself to be constantly transformed by that love and so, as a result, becomes a loving person, a self that puts the interests of others before one’s own. This is life in the true and full sense that Jesus promises to all who follow him and allow themselves to be led by him.

And/Or

(iii) Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus asks a thought provoking question in this morning’s gospel reading, ‘What will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life?’ Jesus is suggesting that we can gain a great deal of what the world has to offer and values, and, yet, lose out at some more fundamental level of our being. We can gain the whole world and, at the same time, lose our life, lose that which makes us truly alive with the life of God. Jesus declares that the opposite is also true. People can lose a great deal of what is highly valued in the world and yet preserve their life, be fully alive with the life of God. Jesus tells his disciples and all of us in this morning’s gospel reading that it is in following him that we will find this fullness of life. Following the Lord will often mean often mean having to renounce ourselves; in that sense it will mean losing out in the eyes of many. Yet when this is done for the Lord’s sake, out of love for him, out of our desire to be faithful to his values, we will grow into our true selves, the self that is made in the image and likeness of our Creator. The call to renounce ourselves can sound very negative to modern ears. Yet, the Lord’s call is a call to fullness of life. Our self-denial is in the service of that fullness of life which he desires for us all.  

And/Or

(iv) Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus often speaks in ways that strike us as strange, such as in today’s gospel reading when he declares, ‘anyone who wants to save his life will lose it’. We might find ourselves wondering, ‘How could this be true?’ ‘What does Jesus mean by this?’ It is one of those sayings that requires a certain amount of teasing out. When Jesus speaks about the ‘one who wants to save his life’, he is probably referring to the person who selfishly seeks self-fulfilment, who grasps at life in a very self-centred and self-regarding way. Jesus is declaring that such a person will not live a truly fulfilled life; at the end of the day, they will lose their life. In contrast, those who lose their life for the sake of Jesus will find it; those who are prepared to give their lives away in love, because this is what Jesus did for us and asks of us, will receive the fullness of life as a gift of God. They will receive this fullness of life in eternity, but they will begin to experience it already here and now in this earthly life. Jesus is saying that we don’t find ourselves, our true selves, by focusing on ourselves. Rather, we find ourselves by focusing beyond ourselves, by focusing on others in love, by focusing on the Lord present in others and calling out to us through others. Jesus declares that it is possible to gain the whole world and to lose our very self, our true self, the self that is made in God’s image. The reverse is also true. We can lose everything, out of love for God and others, and, yet, find life to the full. It is above all the life and death of Jesus that reveals this to be so.

And/Or

(v) Friday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus declares in today’s gospel reading that becoming his follower will not always be easy. What does it mean to follow the Lord today, to walk in his way? The Lord’s way is the way of self-giving love. It is the way of generous service of others. I celebrated a funeral during the week and the woman’s family summed up her life by stating that she was a giver not a taker. I thought it was a wonderful tribute to their mother. To be a giver rather than a taker is what becoming a follower of the Lord means today. He was the supreme giver. In the end, he gave everything, his very life, out of love for us. In the words of today’s gospel reading, he lost his life. However, in losing his earthly life, he found eternal life, not just for himself but for all of us. His love which led him to give his earthly life for us all was life-giving for us all. Whenever we give of ourselves in love for others, we become more alive ourselves, as human beings, and we bring life to others, we help them to become more alive as human beings. Becoming a follower of the Lord will often mean renouncing ourselves in some way for the sake of others, in service of the well-being of others. Yet, Jesus assures us in the gospel reading that such renouncing of ourselves in service of others is not something negative. Rather, it is the path to true life for us and for all whom we serve.

Fr. Martin Hogan.