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Good morning, Kristin,
I was reminded of a powerful sermon by Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest, as I listened to this past Sunday’s reading from Exodus. Her meditation on Moses and the burning bush came back to me with fresh clarity—especially her challenge to slow down, to notice, and to be open to the ways God might be calling us in the midst of our ordinary days.
Taylor reflects that it’s not the absence of signs, but our pace and preoccupations that prevent us from seeing them. Like her, I’ve often asked God for a sign, assuming it hasn’t arrived—when the real question is whether I’ve slowed down enough to notice it, and whether I’m willing to respond. If I were Moses, would I have seen the burning bush? Would I have dared approach it?
Taylor’s final challenge is the most striking: once we’ve learned to recognize burning bushes in our lives, we are called to become them for others. In a world that often values control, image, and self-preservation, being the presence of God—radiating love, humility, and service—is profoundly countercultural.
In our school communities, this means helping students and one another to pause, notice, and respond to God’s quiet invitations. And then, when the time comes, to shine with that same uncommon light.
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Each year, I’m inspired by the incredible dedication of our Catholic school educators—those who quietly and consistently go above and beyond for their students and communities.
The Fulcrum Foundation’s St. John Baptist de La Salle Educator Excellence Awards offer a beautiful way to recognize these exceptional individuals. Nominations are now open, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on those in your community who deserve to be celebrated.
Please consider sharing this opportunity within your school community to honor the outstanding educators who serve with such dedication and excellence.
With gratitude,
NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle
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