It’s graduation season and as happens every year at this time, high school and college students from throughout our diocese cross a stage to receive their diplomas, signaling the end to one chapter in their educational formation and the beginning of the rest of their lives.
Whether they are leaving one school to begin studying at another, or moving out into the workforce or military service, most of the graduates I have spoken with experience a sense of elation — happy that their years of hard work have finally borne fruit. Yet as they look to their future, they also experience a bit of hesitancy — and perhaps some trepidation. Their whole future lay ahead of them. Now what?
In recent weeks, I was privileged to join the soon-to-be graduates of our four diocesan high schools — Saint John Paul the Great, Saint Paul VI, Bishop Ireton and Bishop O’Connell — to share a few words of encouragement as they received their diplomas and embarked on their next phase of their lives. I believe these simple instructions can guide graduates as well as the rest of us any time we prayerfully embark on a new challenge. These are the words I shared with the graduates:
Travel lightly.
This phrase summarizes the advice Jesus gave to his disciples when he sent them out to the world to proclaim the Gospel to all the nations. It is also sound advice for you as the Lord sends you forth to this new and exciting moment in your life. Do not take anything with you that might weigh you down on the journey. Let me offer some practical suggestions as to what you might leave behind.
Leave behind anxiety and stress. As you begin the next phase of your life, staying rooted in prayer and the Sacraments, be confident in knowing that where you are going next is God’s plan for you. He will be with you every step of the way. Thus, there is no need to worry.
Leave behind fear.
Just like the disciples, you are being sent into a world that in many ways rejects the faith we proudly profess and the virtues and values we hold dear. Yet, have no fear. You can rely on the gift of courage that comes from the Holy Spirit, living within you.
Leave behind a false independence. Some people will tell you that you alone can make your life successful; that you alone can change the world. But if you think that everything depends upon you, you will be weighed down with a heavy burden. Instead, remember that without God you can do nothing. With him, all things are possible.
Leave behind worldly ambition.
If you chase only after worldly success, titles and wealth, you will find yourself exhausted. Only God knows and can satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. Know that when you meet the Lord, he will not ask you about those accomplishments. He will want to know: Did you love me? Did you follow my commands? Did you serve others, especially those in need?
There is, however, one thing I do ask that you take with you on your next journey. That is, the cross that I gave each of you. Challenges, setbacks, sufferings will come your way. When they do, look at that cross and remember that no such obstacle is greater or more powerful than the Lord’s love for you. He is the One who promises to be with you always.
My dear graduates, if you remember these truths, you will have every reason at this exciting moment in your life and always to travel lightly.
I hope this simple message I shared with our 2024 graduates will resonate with them, and I hope it will resonate with you today. Jesus tells us to take nothing that will weigh us down on the journey he sends us. We know we can travel lightly if we rely on him now, and always.
