Mighty oak trees line the carriage way leading to the main entrance of the stately 1905 mansion that became the administration building at Stonehill College. Still today visitors and employees often feel the sting of a random acorn striking them on the noggin!
The acorn is a modest enough seed … but it contains within it all that is needed to grow into a mighty oak tree. Saint John Henry Newman used the humble acorn to explain how the Gospels contain all truth but in seed form! The richness of the Catholic faith has grown and blossomed in amazing ways under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The seed, falling on good soil, bears fruit and yields a hundred, or sixty or thirty-fold.
Before the Gospels were even composed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there was the living Tradition of the Church shared by personal testimony and word of mouth.
This tradition is faithful to the Gospels and is guarded and protected by the Shepherds of the Church. The truths that we now know and cherish, we received from the shepherds, the bishops and popes.
Let us thank God as a family of faith that we have this trinity - the scriptures, tradition and shepherds - to help us know Christ and His body in fullness.
May the seed of faith find rich soil in your hearts and families, and yield a generous harvest of love and unity in your homes and in your families. Amen.
