Called to Shine - Graduation Homily (1 Timothy 4:12–16; Matthew 5:13-16)

Dear graduates, parents, teachers, staff, and all gathered here today to celebrate this joyful milestone,

Today marks a special moment in your lives, dear graduates. As you complete your time at this Catholic elementary school, you stand at a threshold. Behind you lies the foundation of your early education, and before you stretches a path of continued growth and discovery. This is not merely an academic achievement we celebrate today, but a spiritual one as well.

In our first reading from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy, we hear these powerful words: "Let no one disregard you because you are young, but be an example to all the believers in the way you speak and behave, and in your love, your faith, and your purity" (1 Timothy 4:12, NRSV).

St. Paul wrote these words to young Timothy, who was entrusted with leadership in the early Church. Like Timothy, you might think you are too young to make a difference in the world. But St. Paul reminds us that age is not a barrier to living our faith authentically and powerfully. God can work through each of you, regardless of your age.

Pope Francis has often reminded young people: "You are not the future of the Church; you are the Church now." This is profoundly true. Each of you, through your Baptism, has been called to be a full and active member of the Body of Christ.

In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us: "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14, NRSV). Think about that for a moment. Jesus doesn't say you will become salt and light someday in the future when you're older. He says you are salt and light right now.

What does it mean to be salt? In Jesus' time, salt was precious. It preserved food, gave flavor, and was even used as currency. To be salt means to preserve what is good, to bring out the best in others, and to be valuable in God's kingdom. When Jesus calls you "salt of the earth," He is calling you to preserve the goodness of your Catholic faith and to help others taste God's goodness through your words and actions.

And what about being light? Jesus says, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, NRSV). Light illuminates darkness. It guides the way. It helps people see clearly. When you share your talents, when you stand up for what is right, when you show kindness to someone who is hurting, you are letting your light shine.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about forming the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Your Catholic education has been preparing you for this mission of being salt and light in the world.

During your time at this school, you've learned your multiplication tables and grammar rules, but you've also learned to pray, to serve others, and to recognize Jesus in your neighbors. These are lessons that will serve you well as you continue your journey.

St. Paul gives Timothy—and us—some practical advice on how to be that example to others. He says, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16, NRSV).

Let me break this down into three simple challenges for you as graduates:

First, "pay close attention to yourself." This means continuing to develop your relationship with God through prayer, participating in the sacraments, especially Sunday Mass and regular Confession, and making good choices that reflect your Catholic values. St. Thomas Aquinas taught that virtue is formed through consistent good habits. The habits of faith you've developed here—daily prayer, service to others, striving for excellence—should continue to grow.

Second, "pay close attention to your teaching." Continue to learn about your faith. Just as you wouldn't stop learning math or reading after elementary school, don't stop learning about God. Read Scripture, ask questions, participate in religious education, and allow your understanding of our beautiful Catholic faith to deepen as you grow.

Third, "continue in these things." Perseverance matters. There will be challenges ahead. There will be times when being salt and light isn't easy. But remember what St. Paul says to Timothy: "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NRSV).

Dear graduates, I want to acknowledge the tremendous support system that has helped you reach this day. Your parents, who were your first teachers in the faith, who chose Catholic education for you, and who have sacrificed to provide it. Your teachers and school staff, who have dedicated themselves not only to your academic growth but to your spiritual formation. Your parish community, which has surrounded you with prayer and examples of faith lived out.

To the parents and families: Thank you for entrusting these precious children to our Catholic school. The Second Vatican Council, in its Declaration on Christian Education, reminds us that parents are the primary educators of their children. Your choice of Catholic education shows your commitment to raising your children in the faith.

To the teachers and staff: Your vocation as Catholic educators is sacred. Pope St. John Paul II said that teaching in a Catholic school is not just a profession but a vocation. Through your dedication, you have helped form these young disciples of Christ.

As we prepare to continue our celebration of the Eucharist, I invite all of us to reflect on how we are called to be salt and light in our world. Graduates, the education you have received is a gift—a gift to be shared. As you move forward to new schools and new experiences, remember the foundation that has been laid here.

Don't hide your light under a bushel basket. Let it shine! Don't let your salt lose its taste. Be bold in your faith! The world needs the unique gifts that each of you brings. It needs your joy, your hope, your faith, your love.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: "The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." You were made to be salt and light. You were made to shine with the love of Christ.

May God bless you all as you continue your journey of faith and learning. May Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, guide you always closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.