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God Desired You

God Desired You

In speaking with a group of students about the two Great Commandments, love God and love your neighbor as yourself, one wise student stated, how can we love our neighbor as ourselves when we don’t love ourselves to begin with, it would be easier to treat a neighbor better then we treat ourselves. The reality of how much we struggle to love ourselves and in turn love others really struck me, for this is very true, especially in our world today. The question I have been pondering since that conversation is, why is it so hard for us to love, cherish, and be confident in who God created us to be? The greatest response I have found to that question is from one of my favorite saints. 

On October 22 the Church celebrated the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who loved young people and desired so deeply that people would understand that they are created, loved, and valued by God. Each and every person is created simply because God desired them. He desired you! Take a moment and let that sink into your heart. You are here because God desired it. He wanted you! St. Pope John Paul II’s formal teaching on humanity is called the Theology of the Body. In this teaching St. Pope John Paul II begins by calling us to reflect on the beginning of Creation, when God created man and women and saw that they were very good. God created humanity to be a gift to each other, to give and receive, to live in harmony, to love each other and to bring new life into the world. In the very beginning of creation the two greatest commandments were lived out, man and woman loved God above all and they beheld and loved themselves and each other the way God intended. As we all know the story, sin entered the world and humanity became broken. We are no longer living in the original state that God created, we are living in the consequences of original sin. However, we also live in the glory, joy, and hope of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection—as  people saved. We are called to live with the goal of heaven inscribed in our hearts, we are called to help other people to journey toward heaven, so that one day we can rejoice together with God forever. 

So why is it so hard for us to love, cherish, and be confident in who God has created us to be? Because sin entered the world and we have been wounded. Yet, St. Pope John Paul II’s teaching gives us hope because he reminds us that in the beginning it was not so and Christ has conquered sin and death, and so sin and death are not the final end. God is calling you to love Him and love your neighbor, but first take a moment to simply relish with joy that God desired you, for only when we live in this confidence of God’s love for ourselves will we be able to look at another person and see God in them and be able to love them as ourselves.

Follow Me

I find Matthew 9:9-13 particularly compelling. It chronicles the calling of St. Matthew. Jesus sees him at his customs post (counting table) and simply says “Follow Me.”  With no words spoken (at least none that are recorded in the Bible) Matthew just DOES it ~ “he got up and followed Him.”    

Now St. Matthew is the well-renowned patron saint of accountants – so you can see why he holds a place in my heart – but the majority of accountants and tax collectors are not the spontaneous sort. There’s too much OCD control and discipline built in to the profession and ditching an incomplete task just doesn’t happen.   

Obviously, something overwhelmingly powerful touched Matthew’s heart in that moment, to compel him to professional negligence. So he followed. Without question. Matthew just Followed Jesus.

And then Jesus’ sitting at table with all manner of tax collectors and sinners just compounded the incredible nature of what was going on that day. Causing Pharisees to question Jesus’ judgment and cast dispersions on those Jesus chose to speak to and include.

Isn’t it revealing? The Pharisees who thought of themselves as righteous, yet had no mercy or kindness towards those who needed conversion the most. Don’t we see that scene play out every day throughout our lives?   Their hearts were hard and their ears were deaf to the clear message of Jesus.

But Matthew who was called, despite being scorned by many in society, didn’t hesitate at all. He knew deep down that he was a sinner. He knew that he needed to change. He knew that Jesus was the Way.

Each of us must likewise be the voice, calling the lost and broken to Follow Jesus.  And if we are the one lost and broken, don’t we appreciate when someone else in our lives cares enough to speak up.

Go to Joseph

Our theme for the new school year,  “Go to Joseph,” invites us to draw inspiration and strength from
Saint Joseph, the steadfast guardian of the Holy Family, who faced life’s uncertainties with unwavering faith and quiet resolve.

Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and husband to Mary, serves as a model of perseverance and dedication. His life is a testament to the virtues of courage, commitment, and steadfastness—qualities we are called to embrace as we move through this school year. Just as Saint Joseph approached his role with resilience and grace, we are invited to reflect on how we can embody these virtues as supporters of our students, teachers, and the school community. Saint Joseph’s qualities resonate deeply with the role of a teacher. Our dedicated teachers nurture, guide, and protect our students, and they are an invaluable resource to our parish community. 

I am deeply honored to serve as your principal and am committed to two primary goals: doing what is best for our students and ensuring their safety. Our school’s mission of inspiring minds, developing character, and seeking Christ is not only our guiding mission for our educational approach but also shapes my daily work and personal conduct. It is this mission that guides me within our school community and beyond.

Meeting our families, students, and teachers during the first week of school has been a true joy. The enthusiasm and warmth with which everyone has welcomed the new year are extraordinary. Our youngest learners’ smiles as they hopped out of the car for their first day remind me of the childlike faith we all strive for. Our middle school students’ leadership is a testament to the strong education and character development at our school. I am excited about the possibilities this year holds and am inspired by the vibrant community that makes St. Dominic Catholic School so special.

I invite everyone to pray for our teachers as they take on the important task of educating and inspiring our students. Their work, much like Saint Joseph’s, is characterized by dedication, patience, and love. May his example of steadfastness and faith inspire us all to approach our roles, whatever they may be, with the same commitment and resolve.

Please know that my prayers are with our parish and school communities. Together, let us create an environment where hope and resilience flourish, so our students can thrive and grow in their own journey of faith and learning at St. Dominic Catholic School.