Mr J Alumni Reflections

Mr. J's Winter 2025 Reflection

Dear Alums,
It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the Holiday Season, having just celebrated Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. I think about you guys so often but especially during this time of year. The weekend before Thanksgiving was always the first of two Senior Class Retreats, one of my favorites of all the weekends we spent together at Camp Ihduhapi. This time of year was always a stressful one for you guys with so many things to do in preparation for the future while keeping up with your day-to-day work at BSM. That’s why this first retreat, as many of you may remember, was a return to childhood. We put up a Christmas tree, and I asked you to make an ornament symbolizing yourself out of construction paper. You brought a picture of yourself as a child, and you shared memories of those days when life was simpler and days seemed to last forever.  The goal of that retreat was to remind you to keep in touch with the child within you, to never lose touch with that child that longs to love and to laugh and to find joy in the simple things in life. 

I remember, late on Saturday night, we sat in the Main Lodge, gathered around the fireplace, offering prayer for all those things that were on our hearts. We listened to so many songs, songs that when I hear them today, bring back all those moments. One song in particular really spoke to all that the weekend was meant to be, a song called “Grown Up Christmas List.” The refrain is truly a prayer, a prayer that I think we all share: “No more lives torn apart, That wars would never start, And time would heal all hearts. And everyone would have a friend, And right would always win, And love would never end. This is my grown-up Christmas list.”  I’m sharing “Grown Up Christmas List” as only Amy Grant could sing it, hoping that you take the time to listen, to remember, and to offer a special prayer, a prayer that one day all these things will hold true. 

Now, for all of you, my dear alums, whether you shared in that retreat experience or never had that opportunity, I pray that you take the time to remember, to recapture your own child, to realize more each day that, regardless of age, you truly are a child of God, loved more than you could ever begin to imagine. 

As I close this final reflection of 2025, I pray that Christmas and the New year will hold countless blessings for you. Always know you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, forever thankful for each of you, for all that we have shared and for all that is yet to be!
Love and Prayers,
Mike J

---

Mr. J's Fall 2025 Reflection

“A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already
filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him,
‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’”

Mark 4:35-38

Dear Alums,
As we began our first week of school here at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, we began in the
midst of a heartbreaking event at Annunciation Church and School . . . an event so
unthinkable that there were no words to even describe the feelings that ran through every
individual who was touched by the story. As a community of faith, we knew what we
needed to do . . . we needed to come together in our Great Hall to offer prayer and to just
be together as family. As I began the service, my first words were that I wished with all
my heart that there was not a reason for us to be together on that afternoon. The story that
I then shared with the kids was the storm at sea from Mark’s Gospel. I’ve used this story
countless times over the years, times when we felt so very powerless, thinking that there
was little that we could do that would make a difference. It’s at those times when we feel
the most “powerless” that we need to turn to where the real “power is!” In spite of what
might be happening around us, we need to remember that our God is still in control . . .
our God is still with us. The passage I shared above is not the end of the story:
“He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ The wind
ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do
you not yet have faith?’ They were filled with great awe and said to one another,
‘Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?’”

Mark 4:39-41
Those disciples had no idea who this man was, but we do: He is the Light in
darkness, the calm in every storm, peace in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.
He is Jesus, Son and Savior, our Brother! So as we begin another year here at BSM,
we begin in prayer for all those at Annunciation, all those whose hearts are broken,
all those in our world who are in need of hope, that one day, together, we might
truly make God’s Kingdom a reality in this world. We place our trust in the one who
calmed the seas; the one who continues to speak to our hearts: “Peace! Be still!” I
hope that those words always bring a sense of comfort to you, knowing that,
regardless of whatever storm we might be experiencing, we are never alone.
My dear alums, in just a few weeks we will be celebrating another Homecoming here
at BSM. I think of you and pray for you so often; but especially during this time of
the year, my thoughts turn to you, remembering you and the many times that we
shared together here. I am forever thankful for each of you and for the amazing
difference you’ve made in my life over the years. I have been and continue to be so
very blessed. May God keep you always in His care. Until next time.
Love and

---

Mr J's Spring 2025 Reflection: "The Hand of God Shall Hold You"

Dear Friends,

It doesn’t seem possible, but we’re quickly approaching the end of the school year. This is the last full week for our seniors who are definitely ready . . . actually, I think they’ve been ready since we returned from Spring
Break, some even earlier! At the beginning of the school year, at their first class meeting, I tell the seniors to never take for granted the time that they have together, a time that will never happen again.

One of my favorite sayings: “Don’t count down the days; make the days count!” I remind them of this often as we move through the year; but I do have to admit, however, that at this time of the year, I am counting down the days!

I’m sure that you remember what those final days were like: wanting so much to be finished with high school and this stage of the journey, while not wanting to let go of the familiar and the safe and move on to the  unknown and the mysterious. I also feel torn at this time of the year. While kids are here with us, we nurture and support and love them each and every day.

They’re here in our care. With graduation, they move on. It’s time for them to go, and it’s also necessary. But it’s also hard. I end each year with a prayer for each of these kids; and in that prayer, remembering each of you and all that we continue to share. In an early reflection, I mentioned a Marty Haugen song that has always been one of my favorites, “The Hand of God Shall Hold You.” It’s used at many funerals as a song of farewell, but I think it’s appropriate for any time in life to remember that we are loved by God
and remembered.

I’ll close with this song: “The hand of God shall hold you, the peace of God enfold you, the love that dreamed and formed you still surrounds you here today. The light of God beside you, above, beneath, inside you, the light that shines to guide you home to the loving hand of God.” May you always know how greatly you are loved and remembered in thought and in prayer, forever thankful for each of you and how your lives
have touched mine . . . “for a lifetime’s not too long, to live as friends!”

May the coming months hold countless opportunities for blessings and memories.
Until Fall . . .

Love and Prayers,
Mike  J

---

Mr J's Lent 2025 Reflection: "For God so Loved"

Dear Friends,

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m never quite sure where time goes. We’re already nearing the beginning of March, which also brings the beginning of the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Some Junior High students stopped by my office this week to visit. One of the boys asked when our next Mass would be. I told him it would be our Ash Wednesday Mass on March 5, the beginning of Lent. He looked at me, shook his head and said, “Lent. Advent was more fun!”

I guess he’s right. Lent is hard! It’s so easy to think about the manger; it’s quite another thing to think about the cross. The truth is, however, that the manger would lose its meaning without the cross. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 

In writing these reflections, I always look back over the years at other things I’ve written to gain inspiration or ideas. Years ago, I found something I had written for a Reconciliation Service back in the mid-90’s, something that truly speaks of the amazing love that our God has for each of us and of the greatest sign of that love in the sending of His Son. I thought I would share it again here, hoping that it will also speak to each of you:

“My children, I have loved you from the first moment when the universe fell from my fingertips. I have been with you at all times, as I am now. The sign for which you look has been given. My only Son came into this world to show you that I am with you in joy and in sorrow, in victory and in disappointment, in pain and in love. He came so that the eyes of those blinded by fear and hurt might be opened; that those imprisoned by hatred and anger might be set free; that those lost in the darkness of depression and worry might be guided into the light of peace. The sign has been given . . . no greater sign could ever be. In this sign, you will truly conquer, finding the power to transform and to change, turning away from those things that divide and separate . . . those things that cause hurt and pain . . . those things that keep you from me and from each other. The sign for which you look has been given!”

As I write this, I’m just putting some final touches on our Ash Wednesday Mass, thinking about the journey we will begin on that day, a journey which begins with ashes and leads to a cross of wood on a lonely hillside. The journey will lead us through a joyful welcome with palms and a last supper; a sorrowful prayer in the garden and to Good Friday . . . but we are not left there. We will be taken to an empty tomb and to the glory of the Resurrection. Life is not easy and definitely holds its share of “Good Fridays,” but we are never left there! For every Good Friday, there is an Easter Sunday that follows!  As true believers, we know . . . “For God so loved the world . . . ” For God so loves us!

I pray that our God who loves us and holds us and all of our tomorrows be with each of you, that you may be strong and faithful and faith-filled in what can be a difficult and challenging world. Always know how greatly you are loved and remembered in thought and in prayer, forever thankful for you and for all the ways your lives have touched mine.

Love and Prayers,

Mike  J

---

Mr J's Fall 2024 Reflection

For Mr. J’s fall reflection, we wanted to share with you the beautiful prayer he wrote and read at his 50 Year Celebration Mass.

A Prayer of Thanks, by Mike Jeremiah

In Celebration of 50 Years

My God and Father,
As I come before You on this day,
I give thanks that You called me here . . .
here to this place that has been my home
for so many years.
Most of all, I’m thankful that I listened to You,
because You know that there were times,
yes, I know, and times still today,
that I fail to listen as I hurry through life.
So many years, Lord,
so many blessings . . . so much to remember . . .
so much to be thankful for.
I remember all those from these years:
Those faithful and dedicated people
with whom I worked . . . those who shared
the same mission of touching hearts and lives,
responding to Your call to make a difference.
Those in my classroom or in a main lodge on retreat . . .
those in peer ministry or in a support group,
or those just needing someone to listen.
I attempted to guide them, teaching them about You, Lord . . .
to trust in You and in Your love for each of them,
to know that You are with them always.
I have been so blessed, Lord, to walk beside them on this journey . . .
to laugh together as we experienced so many good times;
to cry together as we made our way through the difficult ones.
I have been so blessed, Lord,
to be with them in moments of joy,
to be beside them at times of trial and loss,
to simply love them, Lord,
attempting to be a reflection
of the great love that You have for them.
Some of those from my past, the young and the old,
have completed their journeys in this world,
some long before their time,
so loved and dearly missed.
I remember them with love, Lord,
for all that they continue to mean to me.
They are at home with You, Lord, in Your Kingdom
where we are meant to be.
The moments and the memories and the people
who have helped to shape my past
are always with me, a part of all that I am.
So, on this day, Lord,
as I remember the past and look to the future,
I give thanks for all that has been,
and I look forward to all that will be.
I give thanks for all those who are with me today,
the young and the old who add
meaning and purpose and value and worth
to my days.
I give thanks for memories and for moments,
for people and for blessings,
for Your faithfulness and love.
I have been and continue to be . . . thankful.

Love,
Your son,
Mike

Read more about the celebratory Mass held on Sunday, Aug. 25 in honor of Mike J.'s 50 years of service at BSM.

---

A New Year Reflection

January 2024

Dear Friends,

It was the middle of December, and the year was 2023 . . . that’s right, only a few weeks ago. Life was just a little stressful, as I’m sure it was for most of you. That’s the sad thing about this time of year: It’s such a beautiful season, but most of us don’t slow down to take the time to truly enjoy it.

I was in the midst of putting some final touches to our Closing Advent Mass and our Christmas assembly. I’m sure that many of you remember the special Mass, ugly Christmas sweaters and all, and the fun Christmas assembly which followed - complete with Santa Will on the floor scrubber!  The Mass was good to go, as was the Christmas program, but I thought it would be a nice touch to have Jake Mahler ’03, math teacher and drama department director, do a special song.

When I suggested it to him, he said, “Let’s do a song together!” I agreed, and we both went to work, thinking of a song. Jake texted and emailed a few suggestions which I really loved, and I kept saying, “I’ll get in touch and we can practice.” Well, the week passed and soon it was Tuesday morning.  I told Jake I would meet him later in his office to finally practice.  I honestly had not thought of options other than those proposed by Jake, but I suggested “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”  That would be our song. 

The Christmas assembly was amazing! I think the best part was how much the kids really got into it. The Little Knights kicked it off, followed by a special performance by “The Commodores,” a men’s a cappella group with Kris Vance from our maintenance department as a member. The orchestra, band, choir and Red Knotes followed, performing beautifully, and then it was our turn. I introduced Jake who then introduced me. What followed was one of the strangest experiences I’ve had. I began singing. As I looked out over the Great Hall, I saw not only the faces of the kids who were there on that morning, but in my heart, I saw the faces of so many kids over so many years who gathered in this Great Hall . . . it honestly brought tears to my eyes, thinking of all of you.

I guess there was a reason why that song came to mind . . . for me it was a reminder of how very blessed my life has been because I’ve had the opportunity to know and love and work with each of you. The beautiful thing about BSM is that, regardless of the miles and the years and the time that might separate us, we truly are together.  We never make this journey alone; we travel with each other and with our God by our side.

As we enter into this new year, I pray that 2024 will hold countless blessings for each of you. I am forever thankful for you, my faithful friends, always in my thoughts and in my prayers. May God bless and keep you in His care.

Love and Prayers,
Mike J

---

 

A Father’s Love

October 2023

Dear Friends,

As I work on this first reflection of the year, we are not only preparing to celebrate Homecoming Week 2023, but we are also in the midst of celebrating our 50th Anniversary as Benilde-St. Margaret’s . . . so many years, so many amazing memories. As I personally reflect on my 49 years here at BSM, with hopes of celebrating my 50th next year, I do so in thanks for all of you who have shared these years with me and who have touched and made a difference in my life in so many ways. I have been and continue to be so very blessed. With that in mind, I’d like to share a reflection based on a passage from the First Letter of John that has always been one of my favorites.

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us 

that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.”

1 John 3:1

 

Many times, I’ve had the opportunity to watch my friend, a BSM alum, play with his little daughter. She is 2 1/2 years old, and she loves her Daddy very much. The neatest thing about her, and all little kids, is that she allows herself to be loved by her Daddy. When she sees him coming, she runs to him and throws her arms around his legs and simply says, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!” She just wants to be held and to be loved and to know that she is safe in his care. Even when she’s laughed so much from tickling that she can hardly breathe, when the mad tickler stops, she says, “Tickle more, Daddy!” Not once have I heard her say, “Daddy, I want more toys.” or “Daddy, give me this or give me that.” She simply loves being in the presence of her Daddy . . . she allows herself to be loved.

If only our relationship with our Father could be like that . . . if, instead of asking for this or for that, we could simply place ourselves in His Presence and allow ourselves to be loved, to know always and forever that we are safe in His care. What a difference that would make in our days and in our lives. Life is busy and hectic and filled with so many distractions. I pray that we can all find opportunities to simply spend time in the Presence of our God, never forgetting that we are His children, regardless of age. In fact, the older I get, the more I truly feel like a child of the Father. May we always keep that child alive in our hearts. 

So, my dear alums, children of God, as we begin another school year and celebrate our 50th Anniversary, I close this first reflection with a very special “Thank You!” to each of you for remaining such an important part of all that is Benilde-St. Margaret’s. Always know how greatly you are loved and remembered in thought and in prayer. May you simply allow yourselves to be loved by your Father . . . to be open to all that our God has to offer. 

Love and Prayers,
Mike J