Adapted from a reflection at the Advent-Christmas Liturgy, December 20, 2023.
Dear Saint Peter’s Prep Family,
Point zero zero zero three percent… 0.0003%. Let me explain how I got to this number. There are a little over 8 billion people in this world. And there are, including all of you, about 24,000 Saint Peter’s Prep alumni, past parents, staff, coaches and teachers, and current students, teachers, staff, coaches and parents. That means three out of every million people in this world get to say they are part of this good company called Saint Peter’s Prep. I am so proud to say that we, we few, we happy few, are part of this band of brothers and sisters. To many, Christmas is the most joyous time of the year…some would even sing that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. And I want to let you know that one of the things that gives me the most joy in my life is being a part of this good company with you.
So with that in mind, let’s think of that first Christmas scene, the nativity scene you encounter over and over at this time of year, whether you you see it in the front yard, or you hear about it in Christmas songs, whether it’s under your own Christmas tree, or whether you’re seeing it right here, to my right, your left.
You picture the shepherds, the wise men, the angels, and of course Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. How about that for good company? I love thinking about that specific good company because not everyone was alike…what a diverse group. But I want to concentrate on the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels. Symbolically—not necessarily theologically, but symbolically, we can think about shepherds as folks who are protectors, offering safety; the wise men are people who offer good counsel, advice; the angels provide glory and affirmation. When we think about the people in our own lives, our own personal good company–your friends, family, teachers and coaches and moderators, who are the shepherds, the wise men, the angels? Said a better way, who makes you feel safe and protected? Who gives you the best counsel? Who offers you praise and affirmation?
Maybe we can think about it another way: Who are you? Who are you among your good company? Do you make people feel safe? Do you offer wise counsel? Do you affirm others and make them feel great just for being their best selves?
Over break, when you encounter this scene of the first Christmas, I ask you to think about the shepherds, the wise men, the angels in your life and realize what a gift they are to you. I also hope you see yourself as a gift. I hope this scene helps you remember that pretty much nothing of significance is ever accomplished alone. The idea of doing things together, together, together is powerful and true. I promise you that.
We are called to be men and women for others, and men and women with others. It’s not always easy to be the shepherd, the wise man, or the angel, but we are called to do it. And it’s not always easy for someone to be your shepherd, wise man, or angel…but people do it anyway. Thomas Merton tells us: “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” Maybe that’s one way to think about God’s love for us, our greatest gift.
Please know this Christmas break, I will be thinking about how each and every one of you is a sacred gift to me and everyone else here…which means you matter an awful lot…Faculty and Staff and Students, May the joy of the angels, The gladness of the shepherds, the worship of the wise men and the peace of the Christ child be yours, be yours this Christmas. May His peace be with you. Enjoy the Christmas break. My brothers and sisters, thank you for making the greatest school on the planet, the greatest school on the planet. Merry Christmas. I love you.
Let’s go Prep!
Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91
President