Graduates encouraged to continue embracing the Gospel of Life and Love

When I was teaching World Religions at St. John’s University, I purposely taught my students a segment on Confucianism. Why? Because Confucius, at the time in which he lived, noticed that there was a lot of division in China. People were selfish. Tribes were warring against each other. What used to be good manners and citizenship, an appreciation for Truth, Goodness and Beauty or what Confucius called “Spontaneous Tradition” was no longer instinctive or, better, second nature.

So, this wise man decided that to restore the cohesiveness that once united the Chinese, people needed to learn, through education, the “elements” of Spontaneous Tradition.

He called this process “Deliberate Tradition.”

Through the study of history, family values, respect for the elders, an acknowledgement of the intercessory power of the deceased ancestors in heaven, whose role he perceived on a par with our understanding of saints, the lost appreciation of Truth, Goodness and Beauty would return to Chinese society. Through an immersion in music, art and the philosophy of wise people, an appreciation of the hereafter, Confucius’ approach to “Deliberate Tradition,” began to take root.

People showed respect to each other, practiced manners, developed a love for Truth, Goodness and Beauty and cohesion once more united the diverse provinces of China into one People. So powerful were the results of Deliberate Tradition, following his death, Confucianism, as it would be called, became the official “religion” of China.   

I’ve come to appreciate, to a certain degree, the “Deliberate Tradition” which your principal, teachers, aids, support staff and parents inculcated in you – except this time, an appreciation of the Truth, Goodness and Beauty was had through the incorporation of the Way of the Lord Jesus into each of your subjects.

Why? Jesus is the key to unity, oneness, harmony, a respect for oneself and others, manners, values, and an other-centered  existence. It is Jesus who holds the diversity of the Class of 2024, your school, parishes and Church in the unity of his personhood. It is from Jesus that we not only learn “Deliberate Tradition.” It was through the study of Scripture and Tradition, the nexus of our Christian Deliberate Tradition that we taught you how cohesion, that is harmony, unity, peace, mutual respect, an appreciation of Truth, Goodness and Beauty is feasible.

Just pick up a newspaper, turn on the TV or read what’s going on in our world today, and it seems that what bothered Confucius has returned to modern day society: common sense has gone out the window, as have manners, family values, a respect for others, political, racial and religious divisiveness within communities.

It’s up to you, Class of 2024, to incorporate the Deliberate Tradition of Jesus into the rhythm of your daily lives, especially as you begin a new leg of your education. By making the Gospel of Life and Love your personal mantra, you will do more than just take your place alongside a whole new student body in a completely new learning venue this September. You will plant a seed which will take root and yield a bountiful harvest, the benefits of which future generations will reap countless blessings. Whether you attend a Catholic, private or public high school or university – every institution of higher learning needs cohesiveness, an understanding of what is true, good and beautiful; however, only you can exemplify these by making the Way of the Lord Jesus, your “Deliberate Tradition.”

This means that you must teach your peers by the example of your lives. Stand up for what is right and speak out when what you see is wrong. Be all-inclusive in your interactions with classmates, so that none of your peers will feel ostracized, bullied or excluded from any learning, athletic, artistic or social opportunity.

Accordingly, you will demonstrate how cohesiveness, in which unity, concord, mutual respect and benevolence are embryonically contained, is possible, especially when everyone views academics, the fine and performing arts and sports, through the eyes of God.

Finally, always remember that the laurels of scholarship, athleticism and artistry pale in comparison to the reward which awaits us in heaven – our ultimate destiny.

Class of 2024, congratulations and God bless you all.

Father Comandini is coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation