Mass at Notre Dame's Grotto - it's pretty incredible in and of itself, sitting in the shadow of the Basilica on a breezy summer evening.
Tonight, though, was pretty phenomenal, as we were blessed with the presence of the Bishop of Connecticut (at least, I think that's where he was from). He was a dynamic speaker, starting off his homily with a story about Mother Teresa and then circling back around to her at the end of the homily by sharing with us what she shared with many a priest and sister when they questioned whether what they were doing was enough or if they were making a difference: She would take his/her hand in her own and trace from where the nail mark of Jesus would have been to each finger, one for each of these words - "You. did. it. for. me." He reminded us that while our students may not remember what we taught them, they will remember us - how we loved them, spent time with them, encouraged them.
When he finished speaking, many of us had the urge to clap - it was as if we had just heard a motivational speech.
You did it for me. What a good reminder for why we do what we do in Catholic education.
Let us not forget this simple yet powerful message, and let us allow it to daily shape our attitudes and actions in the classroom and with our colleagues.
Amen.
"I have no idea where I am going; I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself...But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always..." -Thomas Merton
I have come to fall in love with teaching in Catholic schools. What are YOU in love with?...
Agreed... phenomenal homily!
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