8th Grade Graduation Homily - (1 Timothy 4:12–16; Matthew 5:13-16)

Dear graduates, parents, teachers, and friends,

Today marks a significant milestone in your lives. As you complete your middle school journey here at our Catholic school, you stand at an important threshold. You've grown not just in knowledge, but in wisdom; not just in stature, but in grace.

In our readings today, God speaks directly to you as young disciples. In the First Letter to Timothy, we hear these powerful words: "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity" (1 Timothy 4:12, NABRE).

Think about that for a moment. St. Paul is writing to young Timothy, encouraging him not to let his youth prevent him from being a powerful witness to Christ. Just like Timothy, you too are called to be examples of faith, even at your age. In fact, your youth is not a limitation—it's a gift.

Some might say, "You're just kids. What difference can you make?" But our Catholic faith teaches us that God often works through the young. St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us that "Age is not measured by years but by disposition." Your disposition—your attitude, your choices, your character—matters more than the number of candles on your birthday cake.

In our Gospel today, Jesus gives us another powerful image: "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14, NABRE). Salt preserves, flavors, and brings out the best in food. Light illuminates darkness and guides the way for others.

Dear graduates, this is your calling as you move on to high school. You are meant to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that "The vocation of humanity is to show forth the image of God and to be transformed into the image of the Father's only Son" (CCC 1877).

How do we live as salt and light? St. Paul gives us practical guidance in our first reading: "Attend to reading, exhortation, and teaching... Do not neglect the gift you have" (1 Timothy 4:13-14, NABRE).

First, "attend to reading." Continue to learn, to grow in knowledge and understanding. Your Catholic education has given you a foundation, but this is just the beginning. Pope Francis reminds us that "Education is an act of hope." Your learning journey continues in high school and beyond.

Second, pay attention to "exhortation"—which means encouragement and inspiration. Surround yourself with friends who build you up, not tear you down. Choose friends who help you become the person God created you to be.

Third, be attentive to "teaching"—not just receiving it, but sharing what you know. You have received so much in your years here. Now you have the responsibility to share that gift with others through your words and actions.

"Do not neglect the gift you have." Each of you has been blessed with unique talents and abilities. Some of you excel in academics, others in sports or the arts. Some of you have the gift of making others laugh, or the ability to notice when someone needs a friend. These are not random abilities—they are gifts from God, meant to be developed and shared.

As you prepare to enter high school, remember that your Catholic education has equipped you not just with knowledge, but with wisdom. You know not just facts and figures, but right from wrong. You understand not just how the world works, but why it exists and Who created it.

Pope Benedict XVI once said to students: "The years of youth are a time when you are seeking to determine your future, and perhaps this is why you are more open to Jesus who is 'the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6)." These next few years of high school will be formative ones. The choices you make now will shape the person you become.

Your parents and teachers have made sacrifices to give you the gift of Catholic education. They have done so because they believe in you and in the importance of forming not just your minds, but your hearts and souls. Today is a day to thank them for their love and support.

To the parents here today: Thank you for entrusting your children to our care. Your commitment to Catholic education demonstrates your deep love for your children and your desire for them to know and love God.

To our teachers and staff: Thank you for your dedication and witness. You have taught not just with words, but with your lives. As St. John Bosco said, "Education is a matter of the heart."

And to our graduates: Remember that graduation means "to step up." Today you step up to new challenges and opportunities. But you do not step alone. Christ walks with you. The Church supports you. Your families love you. And the saints in heaven cheer you on.

St. Paul concludes our reading with these words: "Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks" (1 Timothy 4:15-16, NABRE).

Be diligent. Be absorbed. Persevere. These are not easy words, but they are words that lead to growth and excellence. In a world that often seeks the easy path, you are called to the path of discipleship, which requires effort and commitment.

And why should you make this effort? St. Paul gives us the answer: "For by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you" (1 Timothy 4:16, NABRE). Your faithfulness matters—not just for you, but for everyone your life touches.

As Jesus tells us, "Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16, NABRE). When you live your faith authentically—when you are kind to the new student, honest on a difficult test, courageous in standing up for what's right—your light shines. And that light doesn't draw attention to you, but points others to God.

Dear graduates, as you leave this school, take with you all that you have learned—not just facts and figures, but faith and values. Remember that you will always be part of this community of faith. And know that we will be praying for you as you continue your journey.

May God bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you. And may you always let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.