Graduation MASS GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 18/6/18

I’ve always felt a wee bit uncomfortable reading that Gospel. “Call no one your father” - what do people call priests? And I feel for you today. You have just finished a long hard year, completed it successfully, you’ve invited your proud parents to your Graduation and what does Jesus say: “Don’t call yourself a teacher!” What’s going on here?

First of all, sincere congratulations! It’s a great day for you here with your family. It’s a new start, a new career as a teacher- so let’s reflect on today.

You are all clever and able people. You already had a degree and now further study and practical experience (a challenging year and some of you have families!) qualifies you to teach in Primary School or Secondary School.

What is wisdom? The First Reading explores this question. Today many see no place for faith in learning in what they describe as a modern, progressive country. Faith, if it is to exist at all, should be private and certainly shouldn’t indoctrinate children or the youth. So you will be questioned and challenged! Yet, the question of what the proper relationship of faith with education should be is nothing new. Indeed, our first Reading – over 2,300 years old ponders this very issue.

Our first reading comes from the Book of Wisdom which was written in Alexandria, founded by Alexander and the capital of Egypt. A place of great learning where many different ideas, views of life, religion came together in the one place. Alexandria had a large Jewish community, many of whom were well educated. They explored new ideas and the book of Wisdom encourages them. Science is not opposed to faith. God gave us intelligence and wants us to better understand the world. It’s good for us. But what the book of Wisdom warns against is replacing God, the Source of true Wisdom, with an alien idea which would also be lesser than God. And so today’s passage reminds us that God is wise, he shows us how to live and inspires us and reveals his love/wisdom to those who seek it. Wisdom is gift of God, better than gold and silver, a light that never diminishes. It is knowing we are loved, knowing who I am, why I am here, how to live. The passage is a prayer asking God to make us wise. And we learn that this wisdom of God is available for all.

Be strong when people question your insight into Wisdom. The Church has always valued education. This year we celebrate the Centenary of the Education Act yet Catholic Education came to Scotland 1,500 years ago. Only one example is St Columba and Iona. St Thomas Aquinas, Universities, Scotland. Missions – schools. Scotland –schools. Last 100 years First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon – have confidence. We don’t reduce education but bring it to its fullness.

Secondly, wisdom can make us proud, feel superior. Rabbi - ‘my great one’ – was a title for revered teachers. These sayings are not meant to be taken literally but to encourage the avoidance of pride. (Humility allows Gods gifts to grow). Pride is a constant temptation. Priest, bishop, teacher. Christ warns disciples to be aware. God is Father and we are brothers and sisters i.e. family – so traet your pupils and colleagues love, respect, patient, understanding, in other words - serve! That Christ-like attitude will allow Christ to raise you up. It’s the key to happiness.

Congratulation! Be people who work hard in your subject but also be people of prayer, reflection, faith. Ask for the gift of true wisdom. This leads to true wisdom which you will share and helps us to humbly serve and so enjoy your career. With your wisdom you can open people up to knowledge which is great but with faith share wisdom at its deepest level and fully equip youth for life. What a fantastic career you will have, what a way to spend your life!