January 26, 2020

3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

“A Light Shines Brightly in Hamilton”

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that a light would shine in a land of darkness. St. Matthew tells us that that this light is Christ Jesus. Light is an apt image to have before us as we prayerfully open Catholic Schools Week because Catholic Schools—our school—are entrusted to carry the light of Christ into the world. Today we celebrate that our parish has carried on this mission for the past 65 years and rededicates itself to ensure that this light continues to shine! It is a sacred and serious mission because it is not just any light but the light of Christ...the Lumen Christi!       
 
Why should we support the mission of a Catholic School? What makes a Catholic School distinct among other schools? Catholic schools are distinctive and worthy of support for four basic reasons. We might say they possess four points of light. Permit me to mention them “briefly!”
 
The first is that it provides students with a supernatural vision, that is, it strives to keep their eyes fixed on the vision of God, our ultimate destiny. It reminds students that while they should strive toward great achievements and contribute to the good of society, they should never forget that the true goal of life is to become saints. Our Lord said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” [Mk 8:36]      
 
The second light that a Catholic School shines is presenting to its students a Christian concept of the human person. This means that the dignity of every person is always to be respected; it highlights the duty to work for social justice. St. Pope Paul VI said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” It conveys the comforting truth that every person can have a new beginning with the mercy and grace of God. A Christian concept of the human person means that every student is encouraged to fully develop their God-given gifts and talents. It does this with Christ as the model and source of personal perfection. Christ is neither an “add-on” nor an afterthought to the school’s mission but its very center and foundation.               
 

Community is the third light that shines out from a Catholic school. Within it, one should find a warm and welcoming atmosphere of family life, a place where teachers are companions and guides to their students; a place where one is safe and valued. Our PTA is very much an influence in cultivating this aspect of our school—in keeping this light shining brightly.

The fourth light of a Catholic School is its Catholic worldview. What do we mean? To quote St. John Paul II, a Catholic worldview is a way of understanding reality in light of “the total truth about God, man and the world.” [Cited in E. Echevarria, The Apostolate of College Campus Ministry] It is a way of looking at everything in life—how we think and act in every circumstance--through the lens of divine revelation. Many things influence our worldview but not everything we see, hear and read is necessarily true, right, or good. A Catholic school points to Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. A Catholic education does much more than convey information; it forms a student in wisdom. It forms disciples of Christ who will be able to make their own the words of St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” [Gal 2:20]

This formidable mission could not be realized if it were not for a principal and teachers who strongly embrace it and generously carry it out. Together they strive to provide the witness, inspiration and direction for our students. Pope St. Paul VI observed, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” Today on behalf of our parishioners, I thank them for that witness. I thank our parents, benefactors and parishioners who support our school. We are not as large as we were in years past but we shine just as brightly. May Our Blessed Lady, who bore in her womb the Light of world, help keep the light of her school ever so.