“May you listen… May you use your words… May you create a life worth living.”

Three life lessons in the invocation I delivered Saturday to a graduating class of university students.

I was asked to deliver the invocation to open yesterday’s graduation ceremony at the DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media celebration. Here are my comments.

Welcome. Today we gather to celebrate.

Celebrate a milestone as each of you graduates from one chapter of your life to another.

Celebrate the years of dedication and hard work in learning a profession, a craft, a calling, discovering who you are … and who you are becoming.

Celebrate connections created … friendships forged … and memories made which will last a lifetime.

As each of you crosses this stage and moves from this present moment into your boundless future, we must acknowledge the path that awaits you is a challenging one.

Where there is wealth, there is also poverty.

Where there is love, there is enmity.

Where there is peace, there is hostility.

How to live in a world with such contrasting realities?

Amidst this community inspired by Vincentian principles, consider carrying forward these three simple, yet empowering life lessons.

First, may you listen.

Quiet yourself. Open your ears to hear others. Their hopes, pain, longing … for it is in listening, we discover our shared humanity.

Second, may you use your words.

Words to heal and inspire. Words to share your feelings, fears, and aspirations. To spark a dialogue with others that leads to understanding.

Third, may you create a life worth living.

One imbued with empathy for others … curiosity to be a lifelong learner … and courage to embrace righteousness

So today, we celebrate. For no matter how complex, confusing, or complicated life may be, moments like these cry out to make a joyful noise.

To embrace and acknowledge what you have accomplished.

To say “yes” to your past … your present … and your future.

As you go forward today, on behalf of the DePaul University administration, faculty, and staff, we offer this salutation:

Godspeed, blessings, and peace be with you.

Amen.

What could I say of any value to these young people?

That’s where I began my process writing the invocation.

I hope you may find inspiration in my reflections.

This is the second time I’ve delivered the invocation at DePaul (you may read my other set of remarks here).