Hildebrand

When the Benedictine monk, Hildebrand, was elected Pope in 1073 by popular acclamation, "Let Hildebrand be Pope!" while "the funeral baked meats" for the deceased Pope Alexander II were still warm, the Church was at one of its lowest points or corruption and digression from the commission of Jesus to the Apostles to "go baptize and preaches the gospel to all nations."  (Mt 28: 19).  Bishops were appointed by nobles, and sought not the spiritual welfare of their flocks, but personal gain; priests were uneducated and easily distracted from their roles as pastors, and ignorance among the faithful was rampant.  Hildebrand cringed at the call of the clergy and people for his leadership, but willingly accepted the challenge.  He fought fearlessly for reform and even had the obstinate Emperor, Henry IV, kneel and beg for absolution and reinstatement from his excommunication.  Despite this temporary victory, as it turned out, Henry eventually had Hildebrand exiled, where illness took its toll.  He is quoted as saying, "I have loved justice and hated iniquity, therefore I die in exile."
As graduates walk away with their diplomas and enter a world not unlike that of Hildebrand, may we encourage and support them to love and work for justice and all the other gospel values that single us out as followers of Jesus.  We need not see them end their days in exile, for so many want to make a difference in this world, one that will set it back on track.
Bro. Rene