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Mass for Home School Families
Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
September 13, 2008

We celebrate Mass today on the Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, who was known as “golden mouth” due to his extraordinary preaching skills.

We pray in a special way today for the people in Texas experiencing the devastating effects of the hurricane. May God grant them strength and abundant grace, especially in their time of need.

While at the current moment we are not experiencing horrific weather in our state, we still know the “storms” of life that are constantly around us. As we look at our world and the many issues facing us, we have great reason for concern. Even our young people can tell us about the things with which they must deal that, at times, can cause them to be nervous or afraid.

All in this Church today can list the issues that concern us, including the ability to meet the many demands and obligations associated with our vocations, our work and ongoing responsibilities. It can certainly be overwhelming.

Saint John Chrysostom also spoke of the difficulties and hardships of life. However, he also reflected great faith. He said, “Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. I have His promise [that He is with us until the end of time]. Thus, I am surely not going to rely on my own strength. He is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbor.”

Dear parents, I commend you for taking seriously your responsibility as the first teachers of your children in the ways of faith. As you strive to respond to that call, you seek the two goals that Jesus mentions in today’s Gospel: to produce good fruit and to provide solid foundations. As you continue to provide your children with excellence in education and the tools they will need in life, you reflect clearly your highest priority: to help your children grow daily in their love for the Lord and the teachings of the holy, Catholic Church.

In a world that is noisy and busy, you teach your children the necessity of prayer. In a world in which many seek strength from the temporary pleasures of life, you lead your children to the Sacraments, most especially the Bread of Life. In a world that often misleads and misguides our young people with conflicting messages, you lead your children to truth as found in Sacred Scripture and the solid teachings of the Church. In a world that encourages others to focus on self, you convince your children that true greatness and happiness are found in and through lives of humble service.

Dear parents, as you continue to educate your children in these priorities you are providing them with solid foundations, planting seeds that will indeed produce good fruit! That is Jesus’ promise to you. With the Lord’s help, be steadfast. Be patient. Persevere!

Dear young friends, your parents love you very much and will do anything to protect you. Yet, they cannot spare you from all the temptations and sufferings of the world. They give you, however, the tools you need to face them, as they share with you the gift of their faith and a deep understanding of God’s Word and His ways. That faith and understanding will always lead you on the right path and provide the strength you need.

I encourage you today to thank your parents and to cooperate with them. Above all else, allow your home schooling to lead you to a sincere love for Christ and His teachings, so that in the midst of the blessings and trials of life, you can say with Saint John Chrysostom, “Lord, You are my staff, my security and my peaceful harbor. I trust Your promise that You are with me always, until the end of time.” Amen.