Eyes beaming, my five-year-old son Michael handed me a block of wood with a face scribbled on one surface. Nailed to the bottom were two small wheels salvaged from a closet renovation. “It’s a robot,” he proclaimed proudly, “I made it to clean the bathroom for you!”  

Moments later, Michael pulled back from my embrace, asking, “Mama, do you want me to make another robot that can put Caroline and me to bed at night?” 

“No,” I said, locking eyes with him and smiling, “That is what I am made for.”  

Knowing what we are made for – or better yet, who we are made for – is the foundation of our daily work at St. Benedict Classical Academy. We make scientific observations and marvel at the Creator. We read about history and delight at its intersections with the Bible. We analyze fictional characters in literature and uncover spiritual truths. Our intellect draws us closer to God, and He is, ultimately, who we are made for.

During one Socratic seminar, my fifth grade students examined the meaning of intelligence. Eventually, the conversation turned to “The Three Wise Men.” The Wise Men were scientific minds, keen observers of the stars. They could have been known as “The Three Intelligent Men,” but their intellectual pursuits ultimately led them to a wonder far greater than the stars they studied. Their knowledge in mapping the heavens led them to Bethlehem. Their wisdom allowed them to recognize the Creator of the Heavens, and it was for Him they were made.

Today, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we celebrate God’s creation of Mary. It is impossible to think of Mary’s conception without looking ahead to who she is made for. Already, we are anticipating the moment when, with her words, Mary will receive The Word.

Mary was created to love Christ as his mother. The Wise Men were created to praise Him in a manger. We, too, are created to use our charisms to know, love, and serve God because we are made for Him.

AUTHOR: Bridget Kenney, Grade 5 Teacher