Michael Boyson ’16 and Andrew Arraj ’16 shared the following reflections with the Jesuit Community on the September 25 Friday prayer service led by Campus Ministry. Their reflections followed the above video and were in response to Pope Francis’s call for all young people to “Be Courageous!”
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“Don’t let this be the greatest thing you ever did.”
–Mike Francis
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s valedictorian for the Class of 2015
Mr. Francis left his class with these final words, challenging his peers not to reminisce about the adversity they overcame while attending one of the five service academies in the United States, demanding that they continue their legacy as Merchant Mariners in whatever their career fields may be. Yet even with such a sound foundation under their feet, I am positive that many graduates had questions about how they would respond to situations in the real world. With this transition arise many unknowns, and like the recent USMMA graduates, I too worry of the challenges I am about to face and will continue to face in the future. A sense of reservation crosses my mind because I know that the decisions I choose to make are now going to result in consequences that I must be willing to live with for the rest of my life. Like many seniors, I have already experienced this uncertainty when deciding what colleges to apply to in the form of two simple words “What if…?”
What if I don’t receive an appointment to one of the Service Academies that I applied to, academies that I spent countless hours making sure that every seemingly insignificant detail is correct before sending off my application? What if I do receive the opportunity to attend an academy, but I don’t have enough bearing to withstand the incomprehensible stress that comes with living in a military regiment 24/7?
What if…I fail?
As a senior who is trying to solidify his future, I find that it can be very easy to get overwhelmed with the entire process, and it’s these “what if…” moments that remind me of how effortless it is to be complacent or how easy it is to doubt myself, even abandoning the journey I started towards achieving a goal I set, just because my inner voice or someone else tells me that it’s not possible or it’s too difficult.
Trying to figure out how I am going to overcome the obstacles that senior year presents to me, I remember how hopeful Pope Francis always appears, even in the face of harsh criticism. Pope Francis lives out the Jesuit beliefs, that serving and being men for and with others is our ultimate goal, and the way in which he accomplishes this goal is by being completely genuine and modest, two great gifts from God. Through the confidence he receives from God, he walks the streets in civilian clothes, blessing and praying over the poor and outcast. He speaks his mind and calls to action others who share his enthusiasm for originality, unaffected by the critics and naysayers. Analogous to Mike Francis who challenged his classmates from Merchant Marine Academy, Pope Francis challenges his followers to confront their fears, to overcome the unknown, and to always move forward with courage and hope. Of course this will be difficult, just like the process of applying to a college or a military academy is difficult, but if I can rely on the gifts that God and Jesuit has taught me, then I will be able to achieve anything.
Jesuit schools helped mold and guide Pope Francis into the man that we are all familiar with today, so I will conclude with a challenge to all: Let Jesuit help mentor you, so that you can develop your strengths and courage in order to help find the path that you were called to take, even if you may have to step outside of your comfort zone or do something uncomfortable. Don’t let Jesuit be the greatest thing you ever did.
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I am a perfectionist and a control freak. These qualities have helped me in the past ensure that I am putting forward my best effort and everything is the way it should be; however such traits have hindered me in many ways. When others compliment me on an achievement, I mainly focus on the one element that could have been better. The most difficult part of my senior year so far has been the realization that I am not in control of what will come next and nothing I say, do, or have can be perfect.
Recognizing a pattern in my attitude towards my life, I began to recite the Serenity Prayer every morning in an attempt at putting my worrisome tendencies to rest. The words of this prayer are: God, Grant Me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
While reflecting upon the individual parts of this prayer and the words of Pope Francis during his interview with members of the Church in the United States, the formula for true serenity can be understood. Asking God to give me courage to accept the things that are out of my hands allows me to acknowledge I do not have all the answers and I can only rest in God. God can accomplish great things through me, but I must have the courage to let Him into my life.
Just like everyone in this room, I have been blessed to be a member of this wonderful community. Pope Francis’ first wish for the youth is for us not to walk alone in life; however, no matter how alone or desperate any one of us feels, there is always a group of people who loves us, wishes the best for us, and will help us with whatever we need.This group of people consists of the Body of Christ, specifically our Jesuit brothers and sisters, teachers, and coaches,
Pope Francis and the words of the Serenity Prayer echo the same truth: Courage gives you joy (or peace), and joy gives you hope, which is a gift from God. Courage is required to be a disciple of Christ and courage comes in many forms and is directed at doing whatever is possible to bring about the greater glory of God.
The wisdom mentioned during the last part of the Serenity Prayer also comes from the community because God speaks to us and shares His wisdom through others. One way to receive this hope and wisdom is by having a mentor to share his or her wisdom with us and to give us courage. My hope is that I learn to accept the support I receive from members of the Jesuit community and beyond to make me more courageous, and to use that wisdom to build God’s kingdom wherever I go.
