We're Back!
What a wonderful start to our school year with all of the students back in class and eager to learn! The energy in the building is palpable – as I was visiting every classroom, the teachers were engaging in activities to help build a positive, faith-filled environment where all of our students can belong.
During his homily during our first all-school liturgy, Father Dennis focused on the word “interceded”. When he asked our students what it meant, many of them answered with wonderful insight about praying for others, helping one another, or caring for one another. As he would go on to define, intercede, in the purely Biblical sense, means to pray and help each other. Given that our focus this year is “To Jesus Through Mary”, Father Dennis reaffirmed to all our students that we should be frequently asking the Blessed Mother to intercede on our behalf to her Son – because intercession works! Think of the words of the Memorare:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
How hard our road would be without the intercession of Mary or the saints or the angels. That is not to say, though, that some struggle is not a good thing: it may be comforting to take the easier path - to succeed without the struggle. There is something truly at work within us when we attain something while persevering through the harder times and then reveling in our ability to overcome what we originally thought as insurmountable. Yet, as Joshua reminds us: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Especially in these uncertain times – always trust in God and He will always provide!