Farewell Mass

St. Francis H.S.; May 14, 2018

Deacon Jim McFadden

        Well, here we are again wrapping up another fruitful, intense, and challenging school year. As people of faith, we know it is not all our doing. As the Psalmist reminds us that If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor” (Psalm 127). Let me ask you Troubies, has the Lord built our SF house?   Yes, that’s why we have such a deep sense of satisfaction because we know that anything we’ve done well, has been the work of grace in which we have brought our enthusiastic “Yes!

The Farewell Mass is always poignant because we’re saying good-bye to those who have been an important part of our lives for so many years. Faculty and staff who have generously poured their lives into this community are saying Farewell as their life journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit takes them into a new direction.

And, we’re saying good-bye to the class of 2018. While they’re leaving SF as students, they like departing faculty and staff, will always be a part of the Saint Francis community because we are integrated into the larger family of the Church, the mystical Body of Christ. That means we remain in solidarity because we are sisters and brothers in Christ. And, this fellowship cannot be broken though we may not be physically present to one another.

Year in and year out, we’ve worked together looking out for each other’s good; as we’ve worked together, the world has revealed itself in all of its beauty. As the Psalmist reminds us, “How good it is when sisters and brothers gather together as one.” In our fellowship life is being generated. I remember 16 years ago, when Greta Gerwig, the director of Lady Bird, was a senior; she and a dozen Troubie sisters, were in Mr. Norman’s room working on an assembly project. Greta looked around and beamed, “Ah, another SF Experience!” Yes, we share moments like that because we appreciate our solidarity that generates life in and through God’s presence.

As the Class of 2018 prepares to enter the world, I am glad that they are doing so as people of Gospel values and deeply held principles. A SF Trouadour knows that to be fully human is to imitate what God does: namely, to give oneself away in love as we serve others, especially those who are vulnerable. As such we will not align ourselves with those who only think about exploiting our beautiful home, Mother Earth, or destroying it. We want the Class of 2018 to flood the world with joy and enthusiasm typical of an SF Troubie “Who’s got spirit.” Let me hear you: I got spirit, how about you?” Yes, I am confident that you will enrich that part of the world you occupy with the joy that comes from the Gospel, from having met a Person: Jesus, who has enthralled you and has drawn you to be with Him.

It really comes down to Him. The Gospel calls us to recognize Jesus as Lord. For many this is liberating good news because we can “move, live, and have our being” in the One who is Life itself—who is Love incarnate. But, for others, this is a tremendous threat. If Jesus is Lord, my ego can’t be Lord. My religion can’t be Lord. My country, my political affiliation, my culture can’t be Lord.

Well, how do we know that Jesus is Lord? The Resurrection is the clearest indication of the Lordship of Jesus. When we experience Jesus present in our heart and soul, when we experience Him in our community, when we experience Him in the Breaking of the Bread, we know that He is alive—that He is Risen! Therefore, He is due our absolute allegiance and surrender because He is Immanuel, God among us.

Class of 2018 do not let your youthful faith and exuberance be stolen from you. Do not allow anyone to slow or extinguish the light that has been put into your soul which is reflected in your beautiful face. As you recognize that you are a precious child of God, reject no other human being who is also a beloved daughter or son of God. Do not be a part of any enterprise that raises walls of division! Build bridges, like this extraordinary one that you are crossing in spirit as you move from being a high school student to the next important stage in your life. Be a vital, active member of the Christian community. Continue to live a life of Faith as you discern your vocation.

Troubies, the world, the Church, needs courageous, faith-filled young people, who are not intimidated in the face of difficulties, who face their trials with resolute calm, and keep their eyes and hearts open to reality, so that no one should be rejected who crosses your path. No one should be subjected to injustice or to violence, or deprived of human dignity, because you bring Jesus with you.

Troubies, I have great confidence in your heart, which is generous and compassionate. I know that you will not be closed to the cry for help of so many of your peers who also seek a meaningful life: who seek freedom, work, study, a chance to make sense of their lives. We are counting on your willingness, your commitment, your ability to face the important challenges, and dare to make the future one of hope because you know the world is a friendly hospitable place because there is a Divine Presence here. You are being sent forth to take positive, life-giving changes in the world.

Troubies, may you be ready for the fascinating adventure of life, that precious and incalculable gift that God places in our hands. You only have one life. Be a good and faithful steward of it. Go meet Jesus, be with Him in prayer, entrust yourself to Him, give your whole life over to his merciful love. And your faith will be a luminous witness of generosity and of joy that comes about in following Him, wherever He should lead you. PEACE BE WITH YOU!