-
June 17, 2019
Tony Morgan
Mill Valley
Having attended a number of Catholic grammar and high school graduations, I can’t help but notice what seems to be an omission of Jesus Christ from the opening invocation to the final remarks of the ceremony, not one mention of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. While secular poets are quoted, and God is mentioned in a non-triune fashion, it seems Jesus Christ is left to the sidelines to such an extent, that one has to question if this is indeed premeditated.
While many Scripture passages would be good to include, two in particular come to mind that would have been perfect for the graduating class. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “for without me you can do nothing.” And in Matthew 10:33, “But he that deny me before men, I will also deny him before my father who is in heaven.”
Of course St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians puts things into perspective about the name of Jesus: “… at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10). But, no, not even one mention.
Oh, I know, the defense might be offered that there was a graduation Mass a few nights earlier where Christ was mentioned, and though Jesus was not mentioned during the graduation ceremony God was, and even the sign of the cross was made. Notwithstanding, this response will fall flat, as 2 Timothy 3:5 reminds us. “Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Finally, in the words of St. Patrick: “… Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ above me. …” Good advice to a graduating class and a great prayer for all of us!
Letters policy
Email letters.csf@sfarchdiocese.org
Write Letters to the Editor, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109
Name, address and daytime phone number for verification required.
Short letters preferred: 250 words or fewer