I was privileged to be asked by the
graduates at my former school to be
this year's commencement speaker.
Our school has traditionally chosen
a pastor at a graduate's church ... in
Protestant terms, I am technically a
'youth pastor' at my church.
For the first time in a long time I was
nervous. Singing in front of crowds is fine.
So is public speaking. But I was about to
give a rah-rah charge to the graduates as
a youth pastor in front of about 5 current
or retired pastors (among the guests that
evening). And I'm the lone Catholic.
I love our separated brethren from other
Christian denominations. I believe there is
fruit to be gained from constructive, candid
ecumenism. But generally speaking, Catholics
are not known for their preaching.
To top it off, we gave out diplomas before the
speech, which curiously generated tears in me
for the first time at graduation. I could attribute
this to nerves, but I've known this set of seniors
since the 6th grade ... and after what our school
went through a couple years back ... this day wasn't
'supposed' to happen.
Finally, the principal, a woman I love and admire
deeply, introduced me in tears as one of her 'sons.'
As I hugged her, I cried and said, "this is gonna be
so hard to do."
As I awkwardly arranged my notes and Bible on a
tiny podium that I have used at that school so many
times before, I looked into the eyes of the grads and
my tears cleared. I said a quick prayer (into the mic)
for myself and I began.
I don't remember much of my charge. All I remember
is how much I love those kids. And after having kids of
my own, I remember thinking how privileged I was to
have parents trust me with their kids, and how they continue
to do so at my church. I don't care if those grads remember
a word I said ... I just want them to remember that the
reality of love, as a gift of God and spread through mankind,
is tangible, attainable and worth getting nervous for.
