Commencement 2003

Minerva San Juan's Invocation for Commencement Remarks
May 18, 2003

We come before you in gratitude for what you, oh great mystery, have, in love, granted to us
We come in gratitude for what you, oh great mystery, have, in love, granted to these women and these men
who today mark the moment that in your grace and through the hands of the mothers and the fathers, the sons and the daughters, the friends who have walked alongside them
and through this community
they have been made new.

Grant, oh great mystery, that these women and men whom we hold in our hearts continue to discern the demands of the now unknown; grant that they have the capacity to image what will and what ought to happen, grant that they have the courage to do that for which there is no example.

Grant that they may listen to your words in the book of Proverbs when you say: "My children, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek understanding like silver and search for it like hidden treasures - then you will understand the fear of the lord and find the knowledge of God."

Grant that they understand righteousness and justice and equity, and every good path;

Grant that wisdom will come into their hearts and knowledge will be pleasant to their soul.

Grant that prudence will watch over them.

Grant that understanding will guard them.

For this we pray in the joy of this moment.
Amen.