Page 8 - CBA 2005 YEARBOOK

Opening Mass
The gospel reading that Father shared with us today concerns our talents. Nobody can deny the fact that each individual has a God given talent. Right now, I want each of you to take a second and think of one thing that you’re good at. Easy right? Now, 1 want you to think of how you’ve used that talent to impact someone else you know. The gospel reading today shows us that not only is it crucial to recognize one another’s talents, but we also need to use them in a positive, healthy way.
I have a few examples from this past summer to share with you concerning the use of our talents and the lessons that were learned as the result.
This past few months, I worked at an ice cream store in the valley. One typical summer night, my coworker, Brent and I were left to close the shop by ourselves. Just as we were winding down, a middle aged lady approached the order window and informed us that there was a dead cat in the road just past the
shop. Brent insisted that, “He would take care of it.” Much to Brent’s seeming disappointment and to my complete and utter shock, we found the cat was still very much alive. The one distinct sound I will always recall from that night was the sound of our cat panting for life. Its labored breathing was rapid and desperate. It seemed that just listening to its rasping breath made my heart beat faster. I don’t classify myself as the typical ‘animal lover,’ but as I saw myself bent over this frightened creature who was desperately clinging on to life with every ounce, I heard the words come from my mouth: “I’m not just going to sit here and watch this cat pant to death.” Brent stood up, stepped back, and sighed very loudly. To make a long story short, Brent and I were headed off to this
animal hospital with the cat wrapped in a red apron about 10 minutes later.
In the end, the cat had to be put to sleep because a blood test confirmed that it had feline lukemia; however, Brent told me that he learned a very valuable lesson that evening. He told me that he now saw friendship in a whole new light. He explained that although he was not keen on taking the cat to the animal hospital, he could tell that it was important to me and therefore, came along for the ride. He then talked about the concept of the wingman. The main concept is that the wingman is a friend who is there to support when needed and also to pick up the slack.
I remember every single Spanish project where we had to describe ourselves, there was always an abundance of the phrase “Yo soy amable.” Which translates, of course, to “I am friendly.” But how many of us truly live that phrase? How many of us can honestly say that they have been a 100 percent genuine and true friend at every moment? High school is a time of many aspirations, dreams, accomplishments, and sometimes, difficult moments. Friendship is one gift that we can all offer which makes things easier despite the condition.
I’m going to leave you today with a quote to start off the new year. I’m sure many of you have seen the movie Bruce Almighty featuring Jim Carrey as Bruce. As an anchorman, Bruce compares his town to a recipe. I changed it around a bit to make it appropriate for CBA, but it has a meaning that fits the occasion very well. “I think in a lot of ways, our great school is like a great recipe really, you take hard working students, add some caring faculty members, maybe a few ‘nuts’ here and there.... all sprinkled with the love and support of our good CBA community and ultimately, that makes one sweet place to go to school...”
Adapted from a reflection by senior Mary Kate Hannan
Mary Kate
Hannan and
Father LeStrange.
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