Fr. Don's Daily Reflection
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
Commencement: Unless one knows the graduating senior, questions can be tricky. What do you say? – "What will you be doing after graduation?" "What happens next?" "Where will you be?" "Do you have a job?" "Are you going to college/graduate school?" "Have you had any job interviews?" "Do you have any job offers?" “Were you accepted at that engineering school?” Depending on the person and your relationship, these can be embarrassing or a happy opportunity to tell you some wonderful news. A less pointed question would be safer.
And answers may or may not come easily. "I'm going for my masters/PhD at the University." "I've had three job offers; not sure which one to take." "I got that job at Target." "I've had several offers but I'm waiting for a better fit." "I’m excited; I’ve been accepted at Saint Benedict’s." "I’m waiting to hear from the Peace Corps." "No idea right now." "I'll be living at home for now." "I've been accepted to med school." "I’m going to law school after a year volunteering." "I’ve got applications in at a number of companies." "I'm waiting to hear from a graduate program in biomedical studies." "Oh, I'll find something."
Those of us who have found our niche might be thankful we don't have to go through that search again. Or, we simply marvel at such an open future. Too, we may be in a position to provide the graduates with the "experience" they need.
Let's pray that the young have and keep high hopes and face a future full of welcome surprises. For the graduates and for all of us – some words from Pope Francis: "Look to the past with gratitude. Live the present with passion. Embrace the future with hope." (Others say similar things but quoting Francis reminds us of the hope and joy Francis disseminates.) Can we alter that “present with passion” to “with passion for the end of Covid-19”?
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
