SJB 2014 Graduation Mass Comments

St. John Bosco Parish Graduation Mass (May 25, 2014) Comments:

Graduation Mass 2014

Today we recognize the SJB & SMM Graduates of 2014.  Although, in the past few weeks, these graduates may have attended banquets, awards ceremonies, celebrations and parties in their honor; it is RIGHT that we should take a moment today to focus, not on their accomplishments for their own sake, but on the gifts, talents, graces, and support systems these young people have received from a loving and generous Father in heaven.

Graduates, I know I speak for your family and everyone gathered here when I remind you of these three things:

1.    Remember, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!” These words, spoken by St. Catherine of Siena over 600 years ago, still inspire us to become what is God’s will for us. Don’t cut yourself off from the source of His strength by skipping Mass. You can’t be what you should be without the supernatural grace you receive in the Eucharist.

2.    Remember, freedom is a good thing. Freedom is precious because it is delicate. There is a power in freedom, and you have the ability to take it from others, and the power to give your own away. Freedom doesn’t always mean saying yes. Freedom is sometimes saying, “No.” Ultimately, freedom allows you to choose to accept the love God wishes to share with you; or not. So often in our world, freedom is thought of a free ticket to do anything we want. With freedom, which is meant for good, also comes the ability to make destructive choices. Sin is a disordered use of our freedom. Sin affects our capacity to trust God and blocks our ability to communicate with Him through prayer. If you find yourself on your own and in need of direction but you can’t feel God’s presence or hear His words, you probably need to do go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the “car wash for the soul.” Plus, when your car is clean, you're much more careful about where you drive.

3.    Remember, that while Protestants and Christian Evangelicals may have things to teach Catholics about being on fire with religious zeal, we have much to teach them about the fireplace. As Peter Kreeft says, “A fireplace without a fire is cold and gloomy, but a fire without a fireplace is catastrophic.” Learn more about your Catholic faith so that you can engage our brothers and sisters in Christ in dialog about Christ’s one true Church.