Scripture Reminds Students of their Identity

Throughout every school year, hundreds of routines are set into motion. For students, it begins with eagerly anticipating the release of the class schedule, buying school supplies, picking out the right outfit for the first day of school, getting back on the field for sports practice, and completing a number of back to school activities. Likewise, faculty, staff, and parents made their adjustments and preparations as summer turned to fall and school began. As the school year progresses, the daily routine of classes, assignments, and exams weave in and out with practices and rehearsals for activities and athletics. Amidst all of these daily and weekly rhythms at BSM, there is also an annual routine which frames all aspects of our culture and school experience, shaping our identity as Red Knights - the annual scripture theme.

“You are the people of God, holy and beloved. Put on, then, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15).

As we move into the second quarter, there have been many opportunities since school began to reflect on this year’s verses from the bible, “You are the people of God, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12-15). This bold statement by Paul in his letter to the Colossians is a firm reminder of who we are as a BSM community. We are a people of God. We are holy. We are beloved. This statement of who we are harkens to our Catholic social tradition also known as Catholic social teaching.

One of these social teachings is this notion of human dignity. This statement in Colossians affirms the dignity we all have. We are holy and beloved. We belong to God. As a community of students, faculty & staff, families, and alums, we uphold the dignity of one another, affirming our responsibility to care for each other as children of God.

This scripture theme was introduced at the start of the school year, and something of an identity statement is captured in the opening of the scripture passage. This is followed by some helpful guidelines from Paul about how we should live as the people of God. The passage continues, “Put on, then, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12-15). Here we can find a rubric for how to live as the people of God. These directives might seem obvious, but certainly bear repeating, as an almost daily reminder to forgive all, love all, to live out the virtues, and be grateful.

As the routines of the school year change with the seasons, we’ll find ourselves preparing for Thanksgiving and then Christmas, and before long, Catholic Schools Week. In the blink of an eye, we’ll be in the midst of Lent, readying for Easter and then graduation.

Through it all, whether we are students, faculty or staff, or parents, guardians, or alums, each of us can consider how this year’s scripture theme informs our life.

We invite you to use the questions below to guide your reflection on this scripture theme.

• During this school year, what can I do to help create a welcoming community for everyone?
• How can I model and show God’s love to students, faculty, staff, and guests this year?
• What virtue is God calling me to grow in my life?
• Who in my life do I need to forgive? Who have I wronged and how can I seek reconciliation?
• How can I cultivate gratitude for those God has placed in my life?

As a BSM community, we pray that we may continue to be instruments of God’s love and peace. We pray we always stand firmly rooted in our God given dignity. And as our Sisters of St. Joseph charism would remind us, may we always move toward love of God and neighbor without distinction.

- The BSM Campus Ministry Team