Holy Cross Winter Convocation 2003

Timothy Wickstrom '80, Worcester lawyer

The Lord called to Samuel who answered, "Here I am." Samuel ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." "I did not call you", Eli said. "Go back to sleep." So he went back to sleep. Again the Lord called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. "Here I am." he said. "You called me." But Eli answered, "I did not call you. Go back to sleep."

At that time Samuel was not familiar with the Lord, because the Lord had not revealed anything to him as yet. The Lord called Samuel again. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me." Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

Fr. McFarland, Fr. Brooks, Fr. Gray, Rev. Fathers, Trustees, Distinguished Faculty and Administrators, wonderful speakers, students, College Hill neighbors and friends of Holy Cross one and all.

It is with equal measure of pride and appreciation that I stand before you as one voice in a chorus of alumni who have walked these hills and learned in these classrooms; a chorus who accepted the responsibility of the Cross, not when they gained admission to this great College, but only when they earned their baccalaureate; and a chorus who learned, more than anything else, that to whom much is given, much is expected.

I also stand before you as a man raised in the Catholic faith, educated and trained as a lawyer; and as a son, husband, father, thinker and dreamer. It is fitting that this convocation takes place today, one day after the observance of the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his life for his work; and one day before the 30th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision that allows for the unspeakable destruction of life, life which is God's greatest work. And though we mourn the passing of Dr. King and pray for those unborn, our call today is not just to mourn and pray, but to act and to remedy.

I was asked to share with you some thoughts and experiences as to how each of us may bring the mission of the College and the meaning of the Cross into our work lives. I ask each of you: How can we not?

For those of you more set in career and work, I'd simply ask that you find renewal in today's challenges. For those of you not yet decided on which path to follow, I'd ask that you, like Samuel, listen and heed the calling. And fear not the applications, the interviews, the endless revision to resume and cover letter. Pursue excellence. Dare to dream. Cross the stream in one great leap. This is your time. This is your life. Do His Work.

For me, that call was to be a lawyer.

I was drawn to the legal profession first, by watching my father who is a lawyer and secondly by believing that, as a lawyer, I could be of service to clients and, at the same time, strive for what I believe are the highest ideals in a civilized society: peaceful resolution of conflicts, justice and charity to those less fortunate.

I firmly believe that the law is a profession. That means that we must serve clients and our communities with our specialized knowledge. Some lawyers forget this responsibility and instead turn the profession into an opportunity to maximize the amount of money they can earn. This practice led Louis Brandeis to criticize lawyers when he said:
"American lawyers have ceased to be moral leaders and instead have become prosperous spectators."

This view, however, ignores the silent efforts of a vast number of lawyers who, in everyday practice, advocate against racial, religious and ethnic discrimination; who promote fair and just resolution to conflicts; and who serve those in need of legal representation either for a reduced fee or for no fee at all.

As I listened to the readings selected for today's wonderful celebration of life and spirit at Holy Cross, I felt both moved and challenged. In the hymn that opened this Convocation, we heard that we share inventive powers with the Great Creator, who is and always will be creating. There are indeed worlds yet to be dreamed of; worlds of peace where neighbors are seen more for what they share than for what they don't; worlds of justice where the poor and hopeless are lifted up by us and our work; worlds where life is respected; and worlds where to whom much is given, much is given back.

My dream is that one day my five little children will live in a world where people are judged by the nature of their acts and by the compassion in their souls. A world where they can, as the mission of Holy Cross challenges, make the best of their talents, work together, be sensitive to one another, serve others, and seek justice within and beyond their community. You can make that difference, and make the world a better place, whether in business, as an employer, a professional, a worker or employee or even as that street sweeper. Pursue excellence. Honor yourselves, your families and the great gift of Holy Cross.
You have been given much. We expect much of you.

When Samuel went back to sleep, the Lord came to him and revealed his presence, calling out as before "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."