While I am sure every graduate has looked forward to this day and looks forward to the adventure we call high school, I have no doubt that this evening and the past few days have been a time of all sorts of memories. I have become my family’s archivist and so I organize photos and letters that preserve the family’s memories. I often browse those scrapbooks and albums.
Here is my high school photo…in wild 70s attire!
Here is another photo, my ordination day…a thin fellow (only 150 lbs.) with black hair, lots of black hair!
Here is a current photo…well its quite…different!
The reality is, dear Class of 2022, that with the passage of time, we change. I can only imagine the emotions, the pride and joy of your parents as they see you today, so different than when they brought you to Kindergarten.
Times will change and you will change with them. There will be other milestones and greater achievements to celebrate!
But as we gather at the Lord’s altar, we are reminded of that which does not change—the Lord’s love for you. In Scripture, God says to us: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Describing their lives, many people will say, “I am what I do” or “I am what other people say about me” or “I am what I have.” But that is not the way we should identify ourselves. The great truth we must hold on to, the truth that does not change is that whatever happens on life’s journey, we are the Lord’s beloved.
God does not say, “I will love you, if…” There are no “ifs” in God’s heart. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love for us existed before we were born. God’s love is eternal. God never gives up loving us even when we stumble along the way.
Years from now, you will look back on your own photos. Will you see changes? Without a doubt! But as we send you forth from the hallowed halls of Our Lady of Sorrows School, may every member of this Class of 2022 remember what is constant and true, what never changes---the Lord’s love. May you remain in that love which will give you the strength and the comfort that every life needs.
