Dear graduates, as the father of five adult children, I have experienced what your parents are going through right now. Let me shed some light on what you probably perceive as truly bizarre behavior! You see, the part of their lives that you filled while living at home will now be empty. As you prepare to move from under their roof, they are reflecting on your journey to adulthood – and with that reflection are surges of heartache, but also hope. The heartache is the pain of loss – as you grew, they have tried to sacrifice heroically for you. A good night’s sleep, some selfish wants, spontaneity, privacy…who knew sacrificing all these were fundamental to a parents’ sacred covenant with God! And they would gladly hand them to Him all over again. You were God’s gift to your parents – now they are offering you back to Him.
But with the heartache, there is also hope. There is hope that you wisely discern God’s call for your individual vocations, and that you fulfill that vocation with joy and vigor. There is hope that you thrive in your professions, and moreover, that you thrive as Catholics. And there is hope you find that these two are interdependent – one measure for your holiness is the measure in which you will bring holiness into your profession.
When you look at the world and all its challenges, you might ponder, “What impact can one person possibly make?” Although seemingly insignificant, let me offer a small example of how one junior officer made an impact on an aviation squadron. Following a military flight debrief many years ago, several of my pilots and copilots remained in the ready room to further discuss our flight. It didn’t take long before the conversation veered towards gossip – reputation-killing gossip. From the many voices in the ready room that night, one voice stood out. A young copilot gracefully attempted to steer the conversation back to higher ground. And when his subtle action failed, his next step was bolder. He spoke plainly, “I am done with this conversation – it is inappropriate and I expect more from my leaders.” I will always remember the actions of that junior officer and the courage he displayed. And through the actions of one person, a reputation was heroically protected…and a squadron’s culture was transformed.
Graduates – that is our hope for you – that is your vocation…a vocation to excellence in the workforce and a vocation to holiness. You are the transforming agents for our society. The Second Vatican Council put it this way – the world needs great Catholic lawyers and janitors, great Catholic fast-food workers and computer programmers, great Catholic nurses and mechanics. Our country needs them, because it isn’t the priests and religious who can sanctify our nation – it’s you! Saint Josemaria Escriva added his advice to those entering the workplace: “Whatever your job on Earth, you are doing that job for Heaven. Go everywhere. In all places where an upright person lives, there we find air to breath.”
Graduates, may the holiness you bring into your profession be that air for our nation, so that it can breathe. As you set out for your career – know that our prayers accompany you. And set out boldly with the reassurance of a loving God who has a special calling for each of you.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you … plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me…and I will change your lot. (Jeremiah 29:11-14).
Congratulations, Graduates.
-Deacon Mike Denning