Homily for opening of school year (Philippians 4: 4-9; Psalm 37: 3-4, 5-6, 30-31)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we gather today to mark the beginning of a new academic year, I'm reminded of the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14,16).

The start of a school year is always filled with a mixture of emotions – excitement, nervousness, anticipation, perhaps even a touch of anxiety. Students wonder what challenges and opportunities await them. Teachers prepare to guide young minds in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Parents hope and pray for their children's growth and success.

But, we approach education differently than the world does. For us, education is not merely about acquiring information or developing skills for future careers – though these are important. Rather, Catholic education is fundamentally about formation – the formation of the whole person in the image of Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI expressed this beautifully when he said: "The aim of all Christian education is to train the believer in an adult faith that can make him a 'new creation,' capable of bearing witness in his surroundings to the Christian hope that inspires him." This is our mission as we begin this new academic year.

In the Book of Proverbs, we read: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). True wisdom begins with recognizing God as the source of all truth. In a world that often separates faith from reason, we affirm that faith and reason are complementary paths to truth. As St. John Paul II taught in his encyclical *Fides et Ratio*: "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth."

This integration of faith and learning is at the heart of Catholic education. We study mathematics and see the order and beauty of God's creation. We explore literature and discover the great human questions about meaning, purpose, and transcendence. We learn history and witness God's providence unfolding through human events. We practice the arts and participate in God's creative power.

But knowledge alone is insufficient. St. James reminds us, "Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves" (James 1:22). Education must lead to transformation – a transformation of our minds, hearts, and actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the goal of all education is to form persons who will "work for the true good of the communities to which they belong and... take their place in society, prepared to make their contribution to the common good" (CCC 2255).

This year, I invite each of you – students, teachers, and parents – to embrace three spiritual practices that will help you grow in wisdom and grace:

First, cultivate a spirit of wonder. St. Augustine said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." Approach your studies with curiosity and awe, recognizing that each subject reveals something about God's creation. When you solve a difficult math problem, conduct a science experiment, or master a new language, you are discovering the wonders God has embedded in our world.

Second, practice intellectual humility. St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest intellects in Church history, once had a mystical experience that led him to say of all his scholarly writings: "All that I have written seems like straw compared to what has now been revealed to me." True learning begins with acknowledging how much we don't know. Be open to new ideas, willing to question assumptions, and ready to learn from others – including those with whom you disagree.

Third, pursue knowledge in service of love. St. Paul reminds us that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). The purpose of education is not to make us proud or superior, but to equip us to serve others more effectively. Ask yourself regularly: How can I use what I'm learning to help others? How does this knowledge help me to better love God and neighbor?

As we prepare to receive Christ in the Eucharist, let us remember that Jesus himself is the Word made flesh, the fullness of wisdom and truth. In the Eucharist, Christ nourishes us with his very self, giving us the strength and grace to grow in knowledge and love throughout this academic year.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Light of the World and Divine Teacher, guide us in our pursuit of knowledge and wisdom this year. Help us to see your truth in all that we study, to grow in virtue through our learning, and to use our education in service to others. May our schools be places where faith and reason flourish together, where young people discover their God-given gifts, and where all grow in the knowledge and love of you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.