A Prophet to the Nations

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying: before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you" (Jer 1:4-5). These verses served as a fitting reflection as we begin CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK today. Jeremiah received his call to "stand up and tell them all that I command you." (Jer 4:7). He is one of many in a line of prophets, speakers for God. John the Baptist is considered the last of these prophets, but indeed, Jesus took up the mission to speak on the behalf of God, on HIS behalf, really, and give us a clear picture of the Father. He sent the Holy Spirit to remain with his followers who would continue his teaching "to the end of the world" (Matt 28: 20). God called simple people like St. Marcellin and St. John Bosco, the great Apostle to Youth, whose Memorial is ordinarily observed on this day. We too, parents, teachers, are simple folk, set apart for the prophetic mission to proclaim by our words and deeds, who God is.
The Catholic School System provides the structure for this effective ministry, not only in our classroom presentations of the body of Catholic belief, but in our living out of it. Our involvement in service to others, our retreats, and lately, our participation in the March for Life, provide an experiential component to our teaching. I was privileged to participate in the March and the recent Junior/ Senior Encounter, and saw with my own eyes and heard with my own ears what we hope will happen in the hearts of our students: an awakening to who God is, how much God loves us, and what we can do in response to that love. The whole purpose of our Catholic Schools became very visible and tangible in those events. They affirmed my conviction that the treasure of the Catholic School, like the treasure in the field, is worth whatever sacrifice we make to keep it, for it trains and nurtures Prophets to the Nations!
Bro. Rene