I’m not sure you heard what happened at last year’s graduation. One of the graduates went to the podium with many pages to deliver her speech. She started reading saying, “I want to talk about our principal, Mrs. Tuohy. She has been a great influence on my life. She is a shining example of what a principal should be. She is intelligent, an inspiring guide to every student. Mrs. Tuohy is kind, fun to be with and very caring. Suddenly, she paused, struggling for words, looked up and said, “I’m sorry, but it’s really hard to read Mrs. Tuohy’s handwriting!
I’m only kidding of course, but Mrs. Tuohy does exemplify those qualities and she joins me along with your parents, family, and friends in congratulating the Class of 2026!
I can only imagine the joy and pride that fills the hearts of your good parents, family, and our dedicated teachers as they see you today as you have grown, more mature than when they brought you to Kindergarten. You’ve changed!
The passage of years brings many changes and all of us change with them. But as we gather at this liturgy honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of something that does not change…the Lord’s love for us. In Scripture God says to us: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” God loved us into existence!
Describing their lives, many people will say, “I am what I do” or “I am what other people say about me” or “I am what I have.” But that is not the way we should identify ourselves.
The great truth we must hold on to, the truth that does not change is that whatever happens on life’s journey, we are the Lord’s beloved. What an honor is bestowed on us that Jesus, the Son of God, calls us his “friends.” God does not say, “I will love you,…if….” There are no ifs in God’s heart.
God’s love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love for us existed before we were born. God’s love is eternal. God never gives up loving us even when we stumble along the way.
Years from now, looking back on your years here, turning perhaps the pages of your yearbook photos, you will realize life’s many changes. Through them all, hold fast to your faith.
Young Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was canonized a saint last year, said “To live without faith is not living, but simply getting along….so don’t settle for just getting along in life, being mediocre, but look always higher and higher—to the heights—to all that is right, and good and true—the Lord whose love and truth are everlasting. May these be your strength on life’s journey.
