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| Holy Spirit window in St. Peter's Basilica |
Every farewell kiss suggests a fresh start.
Every closing chapter opens its own sequel.
Every closing chapter opens its own sequel.
The rite of passage which is a graduation carries with it the promise and the hope of something more. Though commencement exercises imply change and uncertainty, people with a purpose can stride forward in confidence and trust thanks to divine providence. Courageous Christians can freely will God's Will for each unfolding stage of life's journey, saying "Yes" to the plan of the Master.
Every movement forward points Somewhere.
Every mission originates in Someone and brings its own Somehow.
The commencing of this season hearkens to Jesus' sending of the Apostles: "Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News". He promises not to leave them alone, of course, but guarantees the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, who leads his friends to all truth.
Every sending forth is always a sending with.
Every sending with is always a sending for.
When commencements become commissions, they open our eyes to the prayer of "epiclesis" in the Mass--the great "invocation" or "calling down from on high" of the Holy Spirit. As the gifts on the altar are transformed before the eyes of witnesses, so those who embrace their emerging futures become the persons the world needs them to be; they are made whole and holy, by accepting the Spirit who bonds Father to Son.
Every movement forward in the Spirit manifests itself as mission.
Every mission descends upon Christ's disciples like the dewfall.
May the pivotal "Omega points" in our earthly pilgrimage always help us embrace the awaiting "Alpha opportunities," and may these various new beginnings bring us closer to the Beginning who is himself our ultimate End--
Come Holy Spirit,
David
