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It seems as though I just finished my first Reflection of the school year; and here I am, working on my final one of the year.
We’ve had such a great year here at BSM as we’ve celebrated our 50th Anniversary . . . our Golden Year, a year filled with so many special moments and with so many special moments yet to come. As I mentioned in that first Reflection, it’s been a special year for me as I’ve had so many opportunities to remember and to truly reflect on how different and how blessed my life has been because of this place and because of all those who have been and continue to be Benilde-St. Margaret’s, for that is what we truly are.
As I’ve said before, Benilde-St. Margaret’s is more than a structure of brick and stone . . . it’s all those who have been and continue to be a part of it . . . the living stones that add meaning and purpose and value to all that we are and to all that we believe in and stand for. I pray that you never forget the important role you play in making us who we are.
I began working on this reflection last night, thinking about what I wanted to say to you, when an alum called, wanting to talk about a few things. He was concerned about how impersonal life was seeming, how people just didn’t seem to notice each other anymore, how there was so much division and anger and such a feeling of hopelessness. We talked for hours about possible causes and reasons and societal solutions. I shared with him one of my favorite passages from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, a passage that I know I’ve also shared with you in the past:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, 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
If there’s anything we can never have too much of, it’s the qualities that Paul outlines in this passage. What a difference one person could make in the lives of the people around them if they simply lived a life of compassion and kindness, truly seeing people instead of passing them by unnoticed, maybe smiling a little bit more and judging a little bit less, maybe letting people know that they’re appreciated and valued and loved, taking the time to just be thankful.
What a different world we could help create . . . because isn’t that what each of us is called to do? “Come, follow Me, and see the difference I can make!”
I’m so thankful for that phone call . . . I think I know someone who has decided to be that difference in the lives of others, and I pray that each of us can also make that decision to truly live out what Jesus calls us to do . . . “And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.”
So, as I bring my final Reflection of the school year to a close, and speaking of thankful, please know that I am forever thankful for each of you, for all the ways that your lives have touched mine, for the difference you continue to make. Always know how greatly you are loved and remembered in thought and in prayer. May the coming months hold countless blessings and many joy-filled moments.
Until Fall . . .
Love and Prayers,
Mike J
