Monday, May 18, 2009

God's Commencement Address

Excerpt from I Timothy 6:11-16

"As for you, one of God, . . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called."

Reflection by Talitha Arnold

I am a sucker for graduations. Maybe it's from growing up in a teacher's family, but "Pomp and Circumstance" brings me to tears far mre than "Here Comes the Bride." Whether kindergarteners or college sniors, othere's something deeply moving about seeing all different colors and kinds of people decked out in caps and gowns. 

I even like most commencement addresses, always filled with so much hope and challenge. My favorite speech was never actually delivered, but appeared as a newspaper column by a good friend, Chicago Tribune writer Mary Schmich. Titled "Wear Sunscreen," she advised graduates, among other things, to "Do one thing every day that scares you." 

Today's passage from the end of the First Letter to Timothy would make a good graduation speech, too. The author, perhaps Paul, gives the young  Christian his marching orders: "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness."

"Fight the good fight of the faith," the writer continues. "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called."

Strong words for the commencement of a new life, whether as a new graduate or a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Other than in high school, I've never been asked to give a commencement address. If I were, I'd include the wisdom of both Mary Schmich and First Timothy: 'Do one thing every day that scares you. Fight the good fight. And take hold of eternal life!"



Prayer



God of ceaseless new beginnings, we pray your blessing, power, and

courage for all graduates that they might fight the good fight of

faith and know your abundant life.



Talitha Arnold

About the Author



Talitha Arnold is the Senior Minister of the United Church of Santa

Fe, New Mexico, and the author of Vital Worship for Congregations.



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Read more from the Writer's Group here.

http://act.ucc.org/site/R?i=jsjAijT3eS4CuMQcF3lEdQ..



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