Valedictorian

Choosing our last words wisely

Isaiah 26:1-3

On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”

             Do you know what a “valediction” is?  You’ve probably heard of a valedictorian, who delivers the “farewell speech” on behalf of a graduating class.  The valedictorian is usually the number one student in the class.  But we all give valedictions, regardless of our grade point average.  Every time we write a letter or send an email, we conclude with a valediction, the last words before we sign our name.  It’s very popular these days to write “Blessings” before your name; lots of people are doing that.  I want you to know I was the one who started that trend, and I now I can’t wait to receive all the royalties every time someone writes that!  Archbishop Peter Sartain’s valediction was always “Peace.”  But I think he was doing something more than using it as a cool conclusion that he hoped would become a trend.  He was also wishing that on the recipient of his email or letter.  In other words, Archbishop Sartain’s valediction was like a prayer as well as a conclusion.  What better way to end a message than to wish peace on your interlocutor?

             In the first reading today, Isaiah indicates what God’s wish and prayer is for his people, namely, “peace.”  Isaiah says, “A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace for its trust in you.”  That is, if God were to send us an email or write us a letter, his valediction would also be, “Peace,” and then his name, “God.”  That’s why Jesus said, virtually as his valediction, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).  Saints and scholars have often described the whole Bible as God’s love letter to each of us.  And now we know how God would conclude this long letter, with the valediction, “Peace.”

             Did you know that one day you will also be the valedictorian and graduate at the head of your class, as number one?  That will be the day that you die and graduate from this school called “earthly life.”  You’ll be number one because you’ll be the ONLY one in your class!  Congratulations.  Since you’ll be the valedictorian, what will you say in your farewell speech?  Have you noticed how carefully people listen to the last words of a dying person, as if they are about to say something profound?  Well, they are; these words will be their valediction to the world.  May I suggest you make your valediction like a prayer, like Archbishop Sartain did?  So that your final words are also a final prayer.  And if anyone is leaning close to listen to your last words, what more can you wish them than “Peace”?

             Praised be Jesus Christ!