HOMILY
Mass for the Presidential Inauguration of Lisa A. Lori
Marywood University
November 8, 2024
(Sirach 50:22-24; Philippians 1:4-6; 8-11; John 1:1-9; 14)
In late 2020, as our world was just beginning to heal from the ravages of the coronavirus, Pope Francis offered a blueprint of sorts for building a better world for all of humanity. The Holy Father’s personal reflections in Let Us Dream challenge us to develop a vision for society that places the dignity of all people at the center of our lives supported by a new logic of mercy and care.
In addressing the impact of the deep polarization that has enveloped our world and assessing its impact on the most vulnerable among us, Pope Francis lamented the suffering of so many at the hands of those who have been called forth to lead. “The only time it is right to look down at someone is when we are offering our hand to help them get up.” The problem is not reaching out to care for those on the margins of life, but rather recognizing that they “have the dignity to sit at our table, to feel ‘at home’ among us, to feel part of a family. This is the sign that the Kingdom of Heaven is in our midst.” The Holy Father went on with words of challenge to each of us, “To set yourself above the People of God is to ignore that the Lord has already come close to His people, anointing them, raising them up.”
The Pope’s reflections speak powerfully to the gospel selected for today’s celebration of the Eucharist for the inauguration of our new president, Lisa Lori. It’s references to the light of Christ shining amid the darkness reflect so beautifully the theme of these inaugural days, Ignite the Light. Perhaps more precisely, however, reflecting the Word of God, we’re called not so much to ignite the light, for it has hardly been quenched even by the darkness of our world, but to peel away the obstacles that prevent it from illuminating our world with its rays of hope, promise and peace.
With echoes from the Book of Genesis that chronicled the very dawn of creation, Saint John’s prologue exalts Christ as the creative Word of God that comes as the new light to illuminate God’s re-creation. In the original Greek text, the phrase “made his dwelling among us” is more accurately translated as “pitched his tent” in our midst. God is here among us – right here on this great campus – here in my life and in yours. … It is the Word made flesh that brings light, grace, truth and the very life of God to our world!
The gospel goes on to tell us that those who are humble and wise enough to accept God’s gift are given the grace to become children of God. That privilege, however, comes with a responsibility to “testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” … Simply put, following Christ carries with it the task of being light for others – of illuminating the darkness with the flame of faith – the light of Christ entrusted to all who seek to walk as disciples of the Risen Lord.
My sisters and brothers, everything about this glorious day on this campus named for Mary finds its origin in baptism and the life and power that sacrament affords us all as Christians. Rooted in Jesus’ own baptism that set him apart as the anointed one of God – as the bearer of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and mercy – our own experience of baptism compels us to assume the work of the gospel in imitation of Jesus and in service of our sisters and brothers. As Pope Francis has often reflected, “Our baptism changes us, gives us a new and glorious hope, and empowers us to bring God’s redeeming love to all, particularly the poor, in whom we see the face of Christ.”
The life of Jesus that we are challenged to embrace today is hardly the sentimental and valueless image of Jesus that is so often submitted for consideration by our culture and world. The image we are called to embrace in our lives is that of the Word made flesh – the anointed one of God – who heals the sick – who feeds the hungry – who forgives the sinner – who walks the margins of our world and welcomes the outcast – who lives the truth – who pursues justice – and who loves selflessly, giving his life so that others may find life to the fullest.
And the baptism of which we speak, sisters and brothers, demands much more than merely claiming for ourselves the name of “Christian” or calling this great university “Catholic.” Because baptism is integrally linked with the expectation of fulfilling the mission of Jesus in an authentic manner, there must be integrity in our lives as Christians and in all that Marywood claims to be as a Catholic university. We can’t say we’re one thing and then live as another.
It is hardly by accident that the values and attitudes that are so integral to Jesus’ mission reflect both the mission and core values of Marywood University. As a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 109 years ago, Marywood is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and promotes not only academic excellence but leadership in service to others. It prepares women and men to live responsibly in and for our world. And Marywood seeks to achieve this noble end as a result of those values that are integral to its very existence: its Catholic identity; its respect for the dignity of the human person and for the blessings of creation; its commitment to the empowerment of students to achieve their full potential; its belief in the value of service and social responsibility; and its enduring pursuit of excellence.
While we take great pride in acknowledging and celebrating Marywood University, we do so this day because of our new president, Lisa A. Lori. And Lisa, we are well blessed by your willingness to serve Marywood’s mission.
Lisa, for all the credentials and expertise that you bring to your new role as Marywood’s 13th president, there was one thing that you shared in a YouTube interview recently that gives us all a sense of hope as you assume the reins of this university. And no – it’s not the fact you’re your roots are in Pittston – as significant as that may be!
You noted that among the many accomplishments that you’ve achieved professionally, you are an IHM associate – a carrier of the charism of this blessed congregation of women religious. And for all that is unique and life-giving about the mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, you singled out their recognition of God’s redeeming love for all, as foundational to the Catholic identity of Marywood.
How providential that today’s gospel concludes with a vision of God that our Sisters acknowledged to be foundational to their charism. “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” … Grace and truth – mercy and faithfulness – God’s redeeming love for all! … The foundation of this great university, rooted in the charism of its founding Sisters. … And the heart of Marywood’s mission that you, Lisa, and each of us are charged to uphold.