Homily by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will be continually on my lips” (Psalm 34:2). Dear graduates, today, we are praising and thanking God because you have reached your Graduation Day successfully.
Holy Mass is the most beautiful way to celebrate this moment, because the word ‘Eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’. Everything you have, and everything you have achieved, is ultimately a gift from God: your intelligence and determination, your perseverance, the support of your families, and the guidance of your educators throughout your academic journey at the University. Everything is a gift. And every gift invites us to look towards God with humility, with hearts that are full of gratitude to him and to all who have helped us along the way.
Today, we celebrate the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one. Graduation opens a door to new horizons – filled with hope, challenges, and opportunities to grow and to keep developing the talents that God has given you.
A Sense of Responsibility
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says words that may sound surprising: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10).
What does Jesus mean when he says that we are ‘unworthy’? We certainly know that our lives have tremendous worth. Jesus himself shows us that every human life is precious and loved by God. However, he does not say this to belittle us or our work; on the contrary, he helps us understand the heart of Christian service. Jesus reminds us that our talents, our successes, and our abilities are all gifts, not reasons for pride, but opportunities to serve.
His words counter the attitude that says, “Look at me! See what I’ve done, and what I am doing!” Instead, he teaches us to say with humility: “We only did our duty.” This is the spirit of the true servant, one who finds joy not in being above others but in serving with a sense of commitment, love, and generosity.
Honesty and integrity: the foundation of true character
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one, one where you will face new responsibilities, new decisions, and new challenges, perhaps even greater than those faced in your exams.
Dear graduates, the most valuable lesson you can carry with you is not just academic knowledge or technical skill, but the values that will guide you. Among these, I would like to underline honesty and integrity, and I pray that they will remain at the very heart of your life and your work.
An honest person lives in truth, even when it would be easier to lie or pretend. Persons of integrity keep their word and never let self-interest silence their conscience. Such persons do what is right, even when no one is watching. Remember that something is wrong not because we get caught doing it, but because it is wrong. Even if we can deceive many other people, our hearts know the truth and we will realise our lives are not successful.
I am sure you are aware how today’s society needs people who are honest and trustworthy, in a culture where personal gain has become the measure of success, where the destruction of creation is disguised as progress and prosperity, cheating is an acceptable way of treating people, and lying is treated as normal. We desperately need people who are willing to live the truth in a consistent way, and who are faithful and genuine. Without honesty, wisdom becomes dangerous; and without integrity, progress becomes threatening.
You are aware that greed is all around us – you only need to have a look at the exploitation of creation and the destruction of its beauty. Do not let the love of money blind you or control your choices. Do not let anyone buy your conscience. Do not be complicit in corruption and all forms of abuse that destroy society. Through your honesty and integrity, you will help build a just society that respects human life and dignity.
Service: the true measure of greatness
Our culture often measures success by position, salary, or general approval. However, Jesus looks at matters differently. He speaks about service, and tells us: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Mt 20:26).
Remember that true greatness is found in service. The true leader is the one who works for the good of others. Whatever your profession, you will find the deepest meaning of your life when you use your knowledge and skill to serve.
In your work, do not look at people as numbers or objects, and do not treat them with arrogance. Look at them as images of God, with a deep respect for their life and dignity. Remember that all human beings are precious and unique, whatever their race, their colour, their religion, or other type of diversity; and at every stage of development.
A call to commitment in Maltese society
As we rejoice with you today, we also look ahead with hope. You are the generation that holds both the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape society with deep values.
The Lord is calling each one of you to use your knowledge and creativity to make Malta, and wherever you may go in life, places that are more just, more compassionate, and more filled with hope. Let your faith give direction to your wisdom and strength. Let it guide you to work for the common good.
Widening our vision
On this joyful day, let us also widen our gaze beyond ourselves to all that is happening in the world. As we celebrate your achievements, let us remember the many young people around the world who, because of war, violence, or poverty, cannot continue their studies, live their dreams, or live in peace. Let us keep them in our hearts and in our prayers.
Dear graduates, I pray that you will be the yeast that brings about good in the world, that your lives may tell a story of true success, not only in what you accomplish, but especially in how you live the human and Christian values that are the expression of a strong character. As you journey forward in life, always carry in your heart those simple but profound words of Jesus: “We only did our duty.”
✠ Joseph Galea-Curmi
Auxiliary Bishop of Malta
