Tomorrow Never Knows

A few minutes ago this morning, at the start of the Mass of Mission and Thanksgiving to end the school year at Saint Ignatius College Prep, one member of the class of 2010 (Daniel Brito) came forward to take hold of his class banner and solemnly proceed out of the Church. That exodus symbolized the moving on of the senior class to larger and greater things.

Daniel’s class graduated last week, and I had the honor to invoke the Holy Spirit at that ceremony. The invocation is presented here as my blessing for a fruitful and relaxing summer.
Congratulations to the Class of 2010.
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Gracious God,
On this night to recognize and celebrate the class of 2010
On this night when, for the final time, they gather as one body
On this night when they step forward into the light of life
On this night when they accept the challenge of real discipleship
On this night when they seize the opportunity – the kairos – to express real gratitude

Father of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
We ask that your Holy Spirit may descend upon this body at this time and to bless these students, and bless too their parents – those present in time and present in spirit.

Gracious God,
Bestow your abundant gifts upon these men and women: these graduates at graduation.
- Give them hands to fold in prayer, from time to time, for you know them inside as truly Religious.
- Give them eyes to look on diplomas with pride, for they are indeed intellectually competent
- From this night forward, Give them voices of optimism and promise, for you have made them open to growth
- Give them feet to walk with the poor, for they intend to move ahead, on their own, committed to Justice
- And give them arms to embrace their parents in gratitude, for they are indeed loving, fully aware that love ought to be shown more in deeds than in words.

As so let us pray for the greater glory of God: Lord teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost. To fight and not to heed the wounds. To toil and not to seek for rest. To labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that I am doing your will. Amen

Saint Ignatius, pray for us.