3 Words Prevail During High School Commencements

Recently, God blessed me with opportunities to attend all four of our Catholic high schools’ commencement ceremonies. At every event, three words prevailed; more about them soon.

Hundreds of outstanding young men and women crossed stages and received their diplomas from Bishop Charles C. Thompson. The bishop and top administrators from Mater Dei, Reitz Memorial, Rivet and Washington Catholic High Schools delivered inspiring, unique comments.

Valedictorians also spoke to their classmates – remembering brief moments that everyone identified with and hinting at the collective untold future awaiting them.

Three words stayed front and center for me throughout those Commencements, although I didn’t hear them at every event. Some speakers displayed confident eloquence; others delivered their comments a bit more nervously. Nobody used the same words as anyone else, but they all said the same thing.

Be not afraid …

… to open your heart to Jesus through the Eucharist. Receive it often.

… to dream your dreams – all of them, large and small.

… to listen intently – early and often. God speaks to us; listen to hear His will.

… to forgive and forget.

… to show compassion.

… to laugh.

… to cry.

… to work hard for justice, no matter the size of the issue.

… to believe – and to ask God to help your unbelief.

… to have mercy, and to seek it from others – and from God.

… to go to Confession – to never tire of asking God for His forgiveness.

… to pray the Rosary.

… to make commitments and keep them.

… to be courageous.

… to succeed.

… to fail.

… to thank God for every success and failure.

… to be loyal – especially when that loyalty isn’t always returned.

… to love. Jesus isn’t afraid to love us – and just think about how we hurt Him.

… to ask God for His help and guidance. He is so ready to give it.

… to embrace His help and guidance, no matter how tough it might be in the moment.

… to do the right thing. Always.

… to never give up.

… to support your friends and family the way they support you.

… to proudly claim your place in the big family of your alma mater’s alumni.

… to make new friends everywhere you go.

… to continue growing your personal relationship with Jesus.

… to do something kind for someone – anyone – every day.

… to embrace the concept that you are accountable for your choices and actions.

… to help others more than anyone ever helped you.

… to seek the eternal life Jesus died to provide you.

… to live your faith every moment, in every situation and circumstance.

… to pray for others and ask them to pray for you.

… to embrace your vocation, whatever it may be.

… to take roads less traveled.

… to avoid spiritual and moral potholes along the way.

… to say No when you know you must.

… to say Yes when God calls.

… to BE NOT AFRAID.