The Tribune

By REV. ANGELA PALACIOUS

YOU cannot speak plainer than John the Baptist. He told the truth as he saw it and did not flinch in the face of opposition. We all need to hear a strong word, from time to time, and indeed, every time we start to step out of line.

What would you want to tell a graduating class of high school students as they prepare to face a new day? What do you wish someone had told you, or that you had listened to if you ignored sound advice? Here are some thoughts for them to consider, and indeed, for us all:

1. Organisation: We could talk about having some rituals and routines to move to college level or enter the work force. To keep track of the dates of upcoming events, file or store important documents; paying bills on time requires some method of remembering often unrelated, but extremely vital, information. Much heartache can be prevented if they learn early how to "stay on top of things."

2. Reflection: Over the years, they will accumulate many experiences which will return to them as memories. These situations have to be catalogued in order to learn from them and recall as needed in order to repeat what is worthwhile, and avoid what is detrimental to their development.

3. Focus: To look ahead to a foreseeable future and work with the given, even as they remain open to the possibility of the unexpected. Studies at home will involve resisting the temptation to "run with the pack" who have free time to party most of the time. Studying abroad entails adjusting to a different culture and climate, and using the new found freedom to pursue beneficial goals. If engaging in a trade or other employment, then diligence and willingness to learn (along with many other fine qualities) will stand them in good stead.

4. Patience: It takes great strength and courage to wait for legitimate work that builds up society. A life of crime may seem more and more attractive if unemployed, but they have to trust in God and be humble enough to start at the bottom and work their way up to the top in areas that do not involve that which is illegal or immoral.

5: Priorities: This is no time to be starting a family, especially as an unmarried young person. It is a time to grow and blossom free of restricting obligations. And yet for those for whom this is a reality, it is quite possible, with a supportive network, to accomplish many personal goals while providing excellent care for a child.

1. Prayer: If only they can truly discover the depths of God's love. This is the time to work at making God that rock, anchor and strong tower, if it has not been done before. Whatever the afternoon, evening and night of life brings, we can cultivate an awareness of the presence of God with us as a source of sustaining strength. Our future character and conduct will be shaped by it.

In a sense we will all be graduating from one stage or season to another, as the years go by. There are many transitions to navigate and negotiate.

May we listen for a strong word and offer it to others as we journey along, so that the voice of the Lord may always be heard in our land.