December 16, 2017 The Reason: JesusFr. Thomas Salazar, LC gave another inspirational homily on December 8 when he celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The summary version is that from the time Mary was conceived in St. Anne’s womb, her “life mission” was to bring others to God. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to inform her that she would conceive and bear a son who would be called holy and the son of God, Mary replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Her profound and humble response to Gabriel, along with all the documented events of her life, clearly demonstrate her faithfulness to the “life mission” that God had planned for her. From engaging Jesus’ assistance at the wedding in Cana to her kneeling at the foot of the cross and receiving us as her children, everything Mary did was to bring people closer to God. I remember a conversation that I had in my early days at Everest with Fr. Gomez, LC, co-founder of Everest. I asked him why Everest existed since there were other schools in the area that had been around long before Everest was established. I’ll never forget his response. He said: “Everest exists to bring children and their families closer to Christ.” It was a thought-provoking response since there was no mention of academics, athletics, fine arts, field trips, or anything else. For Fr. Gomez, excellence in these areas was a given; all of which focuses us on eternal life. It made me think about the Gospel passage, “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” (Mt 16:26). Every day the Everest faculty and staff, which includes our priests and consecrated women of Regnum Christi, live out our “life mission” by leading our students - and their families - closer to Christ. I believe we fulfill our “life mission” at a very high level and like no other school in the area. I support my belief with the honors bestowed on us as a Cardinal Newman School of Excellence, a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, and back-to-back state champions in boys’ golf. I further support my belief by observing our high school alum and witnessing the impact they are having on society and the Catholic Church. As our Advent journey continues and we hear the important reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season (of Christmas), please also remember that Jesus is the reason for Everest. Borrowing from Blessed Solanus Casey, I want to thank God ahead of time for you and your family having a blessed Christmas and for your continued support of our mission with your time, talent, and treasure. May God Bless us all! |