Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
Liturgically, we find ourselves winding down the Easter season and preparing for Pentecost this weekend. In the rhythm of our calendar year, we find ourselves in graduation season. Many people are celebrating high school and college graduations with loved ones and preparing to send young people off to their next phase of life. Often these become tear-stained celebrations that involve good-bye’s and moving vans. The graduation ceremonies almost always include speeches given by select students and invited dignitaries, in which the graduates are exhorted to embrace their future with zeal, courage, and vigor, and to consider the legacy they wish to leave. These speeches are a commissioning of sorts – a sending forth with motivating words to guide them in their future endeavors.
In today’s readings, I see both St Paul and Jesus preparing to say good-bye to people they love and commissioning them for the next phase of their lives. Paul and Jesus pour out their hearts, passionately sharing what they discerned was important for the people around them to know and to receive at that very moment in time. As I read these texts, I’m struck by the fact that Paul and Jesus were deeply burdened by things they felt compelled to share. “Guys, you really need to know these things . . .” Just as they exhorted the Ephesians and the disciples, I hear them lovingly assuring you and me: Beloved, in this life you can expect conflict, persecution, hatred, betrayal, and spiritual warfare, so remain on guard. But know that you can trust in God’s protection against evil, and in the power of God’s Name. Cling, Beloved, to God’s Word; receive it as the gracious gift it is and let it nourish and strengthen you. God’s Word will sanctify you and make you holy; be confident of that spiritual work within you. Out of gratitude, Beloved, be generous, especially to the poor. Recognize and embrace the oneness, the unity, of the Body of Christ. Even though we live temporally in this world, remember, Beloved, that you are not of the world; you find your existence in God through Christ. Receive the full measure of Christ’s joy – let Jesus make joy your reality.
These texts also prompted me to pause and reflect on the legacy of faith that I wish to leave. I have two young adult sons. If I were to give them a “farewell address,” what would I share with them? What burden do I carry for them? How would I distill the essence of life as a disciple of Jesus into a few sentences of exhortation to them? How might I take the deposit of faith that burns so brightly within me and impart it to them? I invite you to reflect similarly with me. Think of those whom you hold dear and allow a specific face or two to come to the forefront. What would you most want them to know about what it means to follow Jesus and to live out the Christian faith in this moment in time? How might you reach out and communicate something of your faith with them?
Holy Spirit, come. Stir within me the fiery love of Christ and give me courage to speak words of life to those whom I love this day. Amen!
- Elizabeth Wourms