Two Wings No. 5

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know Himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.”
–St. John Paul II Preface to Fides et Ratio

Fides et Ratio Reflections

In this encyclical on the two wings of faith and reason, St. John Paul II confides that one of the reasons he writes “these reflections” is the need in our times to concentrate “on the theme of truth itself and on its foundation in relation to faith” (Fides et Ratio, No. 6).

Throughout his ministry as Priest, Bishop, and Pope, he had a unique devotion to the young.

The saintly Pope explained, “It is undeniable that this time of rapid and complex change can leave especially the younger generation, to whom the future belongs and on whom it depends, with a sense that they have no valid points of reference. The need for a foundation for personal and communal life becomes all the more pressing at a time when we are faced with the patent inadequacy of perspectives in which the ephemeral is affirmed as a value and the possibility of discovering the real meaning of life is cast into doubt. This is why many people stumble through life to the very edge of the abyss without knowing where they are going” (Fides et Ratio, No. 6).

He was certain that seeking the truth about God and creation leads to a sure-footed path and the ultimate joy.

It’s About Time

Tools for Teachers

Summer provides time for rest, renewal, and recreation after the intensity of the school year schedule.

Many of our teachers also use that time for continuing education.

Nineteen of our teachers participated in a July workshop I offered entitled “Tools For Teachers.”

I enjoyed the time to reflect with our teachers about their role and some of the basic tools they can further employ and sharpen in order to benefit our students:

Prayer, Humility, Hospitality, Preparation, Knowledge of Self, Knowledge of Students, Knowledge of Subject/Content Area, High Expectations, Patience, and Humor.

I am grateful for the spirit of those teachers and their desire to serve in this great mission of Catholic education.

President’s Proverb

“If we wish to be perfect, we have nothing more to do than to perform the ordinary duties of the day well.”
–St. John Henry Newman

Hagstrom’s Attempt At Humor (HAAH!)

Sunday Psalm Sampler

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

“Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
–Luke 24:44b

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Lectionary Readings: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

Responsorial Refrain: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” (Psalm 90:1)

Chris Brunelle’s YouTube recording: R&A Psalm 18th Sunday Ordinary Time 2019, Psalm 90 Cycle C – YouTube

“Reality check” or “proper perspective,” this Sunday’s readings remind us of our mortality and God’s eternity.

Psalm 90 instructs us accordingly: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12).

This Psalm is “A prayer of Moses, the man of God,” (who used time wisely for the glory of God).

May we give God glory in the time He gives us this week as we sing the daily reminder, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”

mike.hagstrom@jp2schools.org

Mike Hagstrom was named President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fargo on March 15, 2016 and assumed office on July 1, 2016. When he applied for the position, he wrote that his “approach would be that of stewardship of the great gift of Catholic Schools. With the help of God’s Grace and all our stakeholders we can be good stewards together, seeing that our schools not only merely survive, but also thrive. For they are designed for human flourishing, forming as we do the whole person, each and every student, made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with a transcendent dignity and destiny.” Prior to this role, he taught Religion and served in a number of other leadership capacities at Shanley High School for 31 years. There, he embraced St. Bede’s notion that “I have always found delight in learning, teaching, and writing.” Mike earned his B.A. in English and M.A. in Systematic Theology from Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. He and his wife, Shawn, have two children (Therese ’08 and Joseph ’16) and two grandchildren (James and Oliver).