2008 First day of school Year of Saint Paul
Today is the first day of a new school year. After graduating the great class of ’08 we look forward to the very fine class of ’09 and the creative ways they will lead our school. On this first day of school, remember the excitement you felt – either experiencing the first day for yourself, or taking one of your children.
Today as I watched the dads and moms guiding their children to their first days, I recognized two of my former students – both young men from the class of ’85 who have children in our school this year. They aren’t the first children of students I’ve encountered, yet I was delighted to tell their young children that I taught their dads. I hope I didn’t appear too ancient to them.
Our school looks with pride as one of our graduates from the class of ’82 addresses the democratic convention today. Living as we do twelve miles from the Hyde Park home of Barack Obama, the election takes on special significance. Senator Biden also has local connections with extended family who live in our area.
This year starts the day after the closing ceremonies in Bejing for the 29th Olympiad. As our current first graders graduate, perhaps they will anticipate the 2016 summer Olympics in Chicago and volunteer as our city hosts to the 34th Olympics?!
Our students are also excited about the White Sox and the Cubs – both in first place. Here’s hoping that 2008 is the year of a world series champion for Chicago.
In the church world, the pope declared 2008 the year of Saint Paul. Paul was a missionary born 2000 years ago. Two things are significant. 1: his life completely turned around. He began his adult life persecuting Christians and transformed his life work to spreading the Christian message. 2. Paul wrote tremendous letters of encouragement which we read throughout the world – in 2008.
Our school theme this year will encompass these themes: A new president and opportunity for leadership; the worldwide competitions among athletes who together celebrate the human spirit; the year of Saint Paul who traveled extensively on a mission to enhance the quality of human life as he carried the message of life-giving love for all people. And a world series?
As I start a new school year, I look back with gratitude for having some wonderful opportunities to be with my family in various locations this summer. My father and I saw Alaska while on a cruise. We were interested in the missionary heritage there – most important the legacy of early Russian religious leaders – very much in evidence in Sitka today. I spent considerable time with my parents and brother and saw high school friends at a class reunion. Included in one of those trips was an excursion to Gettysburg which I hadn’t visited since my 7th grade field trip. Nearby was Emmitsburg, Maryland – site of the Saint Elizabeth Seton shrine – the first native born American saint.
I am delighted to be with your children this year. I look forward to the work we can do together to help them find their place in the world, to develop their talents to be of great service now and in the future and to establish together a supportive environment of learning about God the world and themselves.
Added below are a few readings from Saint Paul which the teachers considered on our opening faculty day. These readings talk about races and having beautiful – Michael Phelps size 14? – feet and perseverance.
Readings from Saint Paul:
1. From the second letter of Saint Paul to Timothy:
Take as a model of sound teaching what you have heard me say, in faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. So you, sons and daughters, must be strong in the grace which is ours in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me through many witnesses you must hand on to trustworthy men and women who will be able to teach others…..
(2 Tim 1: 13-14; 2, 1-3)
2. From the letter of Paul to the Romans: Your love must be sincere. Anticipate each other in showing respect. Do not grow slack, but be fervent in spirit; Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer. Look on the needs of the saints as your own; be generous in offering hospitality….
(Romans 12:12-13)
3. From the letter of Paul to the Romans: ….How can they believe unless they have heard of him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who announce good news!”…. “Their voice has sounded over the whole earth, and their words to the limits of the world.”…
(Romans 10: 16-18)
4. From Paul’s second letter to Timothy:
I have done my best in the race, and I have stayed faithful. I know that the Lord will give me a crown and reward everyone who loves him. The Lord has always been with me and made me strong so that I could proclaim the Word of God to people everywhere. The Lord has always helped me; He will save me from every discouragement. Thus, I will keep my eye on the prize. May everyone give praise and glory to the Lord forever and ever. Amen.
(2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18)
Generous God, you fill us with wonder – at all you have inspired through people who carry your hopeful message to the world. May we be open to your life-giving presence and place our trust in you. May we be at peace doing your work and be signs of your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.