My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
We come together as a family of faith, generation after generation, and affirm God’s seasons throughout the earth. God’s Word is a timeless treasure. And He calls us to always seek His treasure, bringing it forth for the good of all the people. We often think of treasure as physical objects because that is the secular nature of our daily living. The treasure of God’s Word cannot be contained by an Amazon box or delivered by just any person. The treasure of God’s Word is ubiquitous love, created by God for God. The treasure of God’s Word is every person with whom we encounter.
It is no surprise, then, that I mention God’s holy people as we begin another school year, whether in Catholic, public or another private educational institution. We pray with gratitude for the multitude — parents, guardians, siblings, administrators, teachers, staff, and our children for by our faith, they will receive the treasure of God’s Word. This offering is not something we do at the start or end of the day only, it is the measure of our daily living. It is the joyous opportunity to bind heaven to earth by our consecration to God’s most Sacred Heart. It is the majestic bringing forth of His holy temple within our own heart, within the home in which we live, and the street where we physically dwell; within our workplace; or while at play. God’s Word is the symphony of all creation; the Eucharist who is with us.
The everlasting season of God’s Word — His love — flows abundantly and will create verdant pastures, if only we pay attention and do not lose our focus on God. Yes, there are many distractions which can take us away from God. When we succumb to those distractions, we sever the bond and if we don’t reel ourselves back, we can go far astray from who God wants us to be. In Scripture, we hear about Peter who wanted to believe and went into the water to get to Jesus. But, he had doubts and began to sink. The Good News is that God will welcome us back with the greatest rejoicing. However, even leaving for a short period of time can affect so many and the effect of each sever will loosen the distance between heaven and earth.
We look to our Blessed Mother Mary, beloved St. Joseph, her spouse, and all the saints to assist us on our journey to heaven. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, says that we might concentrate on St. Augustine’s teachings of interiority, unity, love and joy, as we bring others to know, love and serve God. Jesus, the Teacher, is within each one of us and our actions make Him present. We are called to acknowledge we are not alone, but part of a community. We unite as one Body of Christ as we minister to each other. St. Augustine reminds us, “your soul belongs not just to you but to your brothers and sisters” (Ep. 243, 4). God’s Word is Divine love. In all that we do, we recall why we do everything: through, with and in God’s love. St. Augustine calls the joy we bring, a “flame to melt our souls together, and out of many to make but one” (Confessions, IV, 8,13).
As baptized Catholics, we are called to teach as Jesus taught about God’s love. Jesus is the embodiment of this Divine Love and invites you to “Come.” Come and be transfigured. The Psalmist says, “My soul waits for His Word.” God is calling us now! Let us not delay or be late. Let us listen, believe, and do.