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Bishop Burbidge's Homily at Mass Welcoming Duke Professor
Mass with Catholic Faculty at Duke University
Saint John Bosco
January 30, 2008
Recently, I was on an Amtrak train walking down the aisle when all of a sudden all the lights went out and the passengers were sitting in darkness. As I was struggling to make my way down the aisle, one individual caught a glimpse of my white collar and somewhat amusingly said, “Oh good, here comes the light!” What a challenge!
That is certainly the same challenge for you, my dear professors and educators at Duke University. Our beloved John Paul II highlighted your important responsibility as he spoke directly to Catholic scholars engaged in teaching and research in non-Catholic universities in the Apostolic Constitution, Ex Corde Ecclesiae: “Your task, lived out in the light of the Christian faith, is to be considered precious for the good of the University. Your presence is a continuous stimulus to the selfless search for truth and for the wisdom that comes from above” (ECE, 2).
Think about all the students in your classrooms and on this campus sitting in darkness, longing to see the Light and searching for the truth and wisdom that comes from above. We are mindful of those individuals who are blessed with tremendous potential but lack any real purpose or clear direction. We think of those individuals who are gifted with extraordinary intellectual gifts but seem confused when trying to articulate the eternal values as they relate to the moral issues of the day. We are aware of those who have been given abundant material comforts and blessings but are obviously spiritually hungry and thirsty. Sadly, we know that many of those whom we see every day sit in the darkness of anxiety, stress and even depression due to the pressures and demands in their lives. Some are deceived into thinking that all depends on them and they are alone in this world. Others have allowed themselves to engage in fierce rivalries and competitions that have consumed their time and energy. Yes, no matter how bright those in our midst often appear, so many sit in darkness. They are yearning to see the Light and to embrace the truth and the wisdom that comes from above.
Thus, they in so many ways rightfully turn to you. Today’s Gospel gives a powerful message: The Light cannot be hidden; it must burn brightly for all the world to see.
Ex Corde Ecclesiae highlights how professors in Catholic and non-Catholic universities respond: by carrying out the work of the various disciplines within the context of a vision of the human person and the world that is enlightened by the Gospel and therefore by a faith in Christ, the Logos, as the center of creation and of human history.
May I briefly highlight how you might be sustained in that task that demands such perseverance and patience:
(1) Never forget the great privilege that is yours. Much is expected of you and it is so easy to get consumed in details and tasks. When I was Rector of the Seminary, I read every day the words of Saint Vincent de Paul to his confreres engaged in the formation of the young: “Oh how fortunate you are to be the instrument of Our Lord in forming these individuals as you enlighten and fire them up at the same time! In this you do the work of the Holy Spirit, who alone enlightens and inflames hearts.”
(2) Never forget the great need to nurture yourself even in the midst of this busy campus. Our First Reading today provides a beautiful meditation by David. David enjoys a peaceful moment as he speaks to God. The fact that David sits suggests that he is going to have a friendly conversation with God. It is common for professors to run, to hurry and to move on. Yet, is essential that you learn to sit in the company of God so that He may speak the message He wishes you to share with your students.
(3) We must persevere in teaching the Truth. Your students, just like those to whom Jesus preached, may often refuse to face the truth, may try to suppress it or may even reject it. Yet, the Lord assures us in today’s Gospel that the truth is great and in the end it will prevail. With confidence in this assurance, we must always teach the truth in all its beauty and richness; without compromise and always in love and compassion.
(4) We must remember what is at the heart of our mission. Saint John Bosco’s words assist: “Let us regard those we teach as our spiritual children. Let us place ourselves in their service. Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better.”
It is a great blessing for Duke University to have such scholars and faithful people as you in its midst. Your expertise, wisdom, zeal and dedication are sources of inspiration for all those you teach and meet. I am particularly grateful for the presence of our new Professor of Catholic Theology, Dr. Paul Griffiths. Once again, I assure you, Dr. Griffiths, and your colleagues of my great desire to collaborate with you in the important work of bringing increased understanding and recognition of our Catholic faith to this campus, the Diocese of Raleigh and our entire region.
At this Eucharist, we pray for the grace to remember the great privilege and vocation entrusted to us; to renew ourselves often in the company of the Lord; to teach the Truth without compromise and to serve generously. In this way, with God’s grace, students sitting in the darkness will recognize us as individuals who will help them to see the Light and to embrace the Truth and the Wisdom that come from above. May the Lord bless you and all your endeavors. Amen.