by Fr. Justin Fulton
I remember the pride I had when I stood at the podium of my high school class’s commencement exercises in May of 1999.
Looking out at a gymnasium filled with neighbors and townspeople, family, classmates, and lifelong friends who had spent the good chunk of years together, I mustered out something somewhat coherent. And then to top it off I said something to the effect of, “On behalf of the Auburn High School Graduating Class of 1999 we hereby declare ourselves eligible for the Auburn Alumni Basketball Tournament and Festivities.” It was pretty cool to represent our 78-person graduating class as we headed our separate ways and into the real world.
Do you ever use Facebook or any other social media? A lot of times Facebook can be downright depressing. Some try to argue sports over a post. Others try to win political arguments. Some folks air out their dirty laundry on Facebook to an audience that pretty much doesn’t give a care. It can get ugly.
But lately there have been nice posts of achievement, hard work, and pride. Facebook has provided pictures of commencements, graduations, and the celebration of a person’s hard-earned education. These graduates and their learning will help the good of the world and the good of God’s Kingdom.
This year we remember, pray for, support, and encourage our graduates, young and old, as they head off into a world of opportunity. We admire them and all of the work they have done in coming to know truth. And we pray that they—and that we all—realize the pursuit of knowledge and truth is really a pursuit of He who is Truth: Jesus Christ.
As the graduate dons the cap and gown, we recall where the tradition of wearing that garb came from: the Catholic Church. It was taught to whom had been given much (an education), much would be expected (sacrifice). Hence, graduates were given caps and gowns (similar to what priests don) to wear to remind themselves of the sacrificial nature of the priesthood. An education wasn’t something to be kept for one’s self. An education was given to sacrifice for the betterment of the world and to help people get to Heaven. Education is based off of the sacrificial giving of Christ.
We thank all parents, teachers, staff, administrators and friends who have molded and formed our graduates. Their sacrifices do not go unappreciated or unnoticed. Learning occurs inside and outside of the classroom, on and off the stage, on and off the field. And perhaps the greatest teaching and learning moments come from simple examples of people in the community who, like Christ, give and sacrifice.
May our graduates use their lives to sacrifice on behalf of others like Jesus Christ has done for all.
God bless and keep all of our graduates!
Thank you for your prayers and support of CSS.
