Be the Conduit

On August 25^th we celebrate a feast day for St. Joseph Calasanz who is the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools.  He was a very dedicated priest who endured many challenges in the education of young children especially the poor.  In a few comments he eloquently describes why it is important for us to commit ourselves to the spiritual education of our children.  So, below I share with you St. Joseph Calasanz’s wisdom.

Everyone knows the great merit and dignity attached to that holy ministry in which young boys, especially the poor, receive instruction for the purpose of attaining eternal life. This ministry is directed to the well-being of body and soul; at the same time, that it shapes behavior it also fosters devotion and Christian doctrine. Moreover, the strongest support is provided not only to protect the young from evil, but also to rouse them and attract them more easily and gently to the performance of good works. Like the twigs of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to change their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost. All who undertake to teach must be endowed with deep love, the greatest of patience, and, most of all, profound humility. They must perform their work with earnest zeal. Then, through their humble prayers, the Lord will find them worthy to become fellow workers with him in the cause of truth. He will console them in the fulfillment of this most noble duty, and finally, will enrich them with the gift of heaven. As Scripture says, "Those who instruct many in justice will shine as stars for all eternity." They will attain this more easily if they make a covenant of perpetual obedience and strive to cling to Christ and please him alone, because, in his words, "What you did to one of the least of my brethren, you did to me." - from the writings of Saint Joseph Calasanz, Patron Saint of Catholic Schools, students, schoolchildren

Years ago I sensed a very strong calling to be a catechist at St. Michael School.  I wanted to discard the idea totally as I did not feel that I had the qualifications or the knowledge to do so.  But the call only became stronger.  Finally I went to the Director of Religious Education and offered my services thinking that high schoolers would be the best place for me.  The DRE was happy to have a volunteer but the best place and greatest need in his eyes was middle schoolers.  My wife, Patt agreed to assist me and after our first class she said to me, “are you sure it was God calling you?”  I knew that I was correct that I did not have the qualifications or the knowledge for the task but God knew what was ahead and I did not.  My take away from our years of being a catechist is that I probably learned more than my students because I began to immerse myself deeply in study and prayer.  I became hungry to learn and draw closer to God.  Humbly I testify that the more I learned, the hungrier I became for a relationship with God and in helping others do the same.  The more I learned the more I realized I know not even a speck of who God is, but I do know He loves us immeasurably. 

Is that not what we truly hunger for is love, God’s love? 

I believe St. Joseph Calasanz’s dedication must have grown through his own inspiration and passion for God. 

God plants the desire for knowledge and truth down deep inside us, and our children have a ravenous hunger for God as well.  The obligation God has for Christian adults is for us to be the conduit for His revelation to children in love and humility.  I pray that we all are humble and loving servants in this world, for it is in giving that we receive.  In committing ourselves to teach the faith to our children and grandchildren we are committing ourselves to never stop searching and looking for what God wants to reveal to us.  In that dedicated journey we can’t help but deliver what He truly wants from us.  That is to be the conduit for delivering His love to others.   

Lord, You blessed Saint Joseph Calasanz with such charity and patience that he dedicated himself to the formation of Christian youth. As we honor this teacher of wisdom may we follow his example in working for truth. - opening prayer for the Mass for Saint Joseph Calasanz

Help us Lord to Shine like Your Son.  God bless you.