June 21, 2010. Homily, June 22, 2010.

Optional Memorial of Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More.

Mt. 7:6,12-14

Jesus said to His disciples: "Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot and turn and tear you to pieces."

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets."

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. Ant those who find it are few."

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Golden Rule: "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you." "This is the Law and the Prophets."

Last Thursday night, Deann and I went to our grand-daughter Michaela's 8th grade graduation.

The principal gave the commencement address. He informed us that the college from which he had graduated was BC, the real BC, Brooklyn College. In college he had been sports editor for the BC newspaper and had covered the BC basketball team, which was nationally ranked. There were 100 teams in the national ranking and BC was ranked 100. BC had played many good teams among them Navy when David Robinson was playing for Navy. After the game, the principal had asked a team member how it had felt to play Navy and the Admiral. "It felt great." was the answer. "I played my best. I went to college to learn from the best and to play against the greatest and tonight's game was a highlight of my college career." So. the principal continued, I want to consider every day of the rest of your life an opportunity to do your best, to learn from the best and to compete against the greatest.

He went on to tell story about what it meant to be a teacher. Charles Blondin was the greatest tight rope walker of h is time. He was the first to walk a tight rope across Niagara Falls. He did it many times. Once he pushed a wheelbarrow across. Before that stunt, he met with the crowd. He asked the crowd, "Do you believe that I can do this stunt?" One man said "Yes." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Are your really sure?" "Yes." "Are you positive?" "Yes." "Then, get in the wheelbarrow."