Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time | Catholic School’s Week
January 30, 2022
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”
~ Jeremiah 1:5
Brothers and Sisters,
Have you ever noticed how creative individuals view the world in a different light? When most of us see a slab of rock, an artist envisions the possibility of a beautiful sculpture by chiseling away the chunks that block others from sharing their vision.
Our very best educators view those they teach similarly— granted, a teacher’s raw materials are far more valuable than a slab of rock or expensive marble. A great instructor does not so much insert knowledge into a student’s mind but helps them arrive at their own connections, ones that reveal a greater understanding of themselves, the world, and, most importantly, their relationship with their Creator.
In our first reading, the Lord calls Jeremiah to serve as a prophet, declaring, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jeremiah 1:5). In the same way, God claims us as his beloved at our creation. Still, as we get older it can be easy to forget our inherent goodness. That’s when as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to remind each other of our birthright — we are “very good.”
As we enter Catholic Schools week, I’m reminded of how our partnership with our parish school is indeed good! I’m so grateful to the phenomenal school teachers and aides who have displayed exceptional commitment to their students and their families over these past few challenging years.
The school’s support staff are equally committed, including our leadership, the lunch and recess team (which not surprisingly includes our teachers and other staff too), the maintenance and cleaning team, and very notably our wonderful nurses Karen, Lynn, and Charlene. With new principal Tracy Underwood and assistant Nick Caputo, I’m excited to continue building a solid relationship between the parish and school. Please join me in offering prayers for our school and thanking them for the many ways they support forming students as disciples of the Lord!
Of course, one school is not enough. While I’d love to say every child of a parishioner could attend (and indeed, any neighbors who wanted to take advantage of an excellent education steeped in faith and virtue), the building is not large enough. In that spirit, let’s continue to thank God for our neighboring Catholic Schools (I know parishioners who attend Trinity, Resurrection-St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Louis, and St. Mark) as well as those committed to excellent Christian Schools. Including a significant number of our parishioners engaged in the mission at Lamb of God School. May the Lord bless all our schools, staff, administrators, and educators – especially those who appreciate their vocation to bring out the best in the students.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett