A letter from President Phipps
This is an adaptation of President Phipps’ charge to Messiah College’s Class of 2016 at Commencement:
To all the members of the baccalaureate and graduate Class of 2016, you give us great hope for a promising future for church and society. As you graduate, I invite you to reflect on a question Sister Joan Chittister posed to another graduating class: “What will you inspire in this world?”
You’ve already offered us a glimpse into your vision through the undergraduate senior class gift—“Light our Legacy”—that will enable Messiah College to light the Swinging Bridge. Today, I challenge you to create a living legacy of light and love. Inspire others to focus on the light—to see anew—to consider people through the radiance of Christ’s love. Without light, even a landmark like the Swinging Bridge is invisible. But strung with glistening bulbs, this bridge will boldly make its presence known. “The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language” expresses Jesus’ charge to us: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world” (Matthew 5:16).
Our world is divided and often drably uninspired, devoid of the brilliance of God’s vision for creation. At Messiah, you have joined with educators and friends to learn about bringing out the God-colors in this world. You have begun to consider what it means to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God,” as Micah 6:8 (NIV) calls us to do. You have studied truths revealed through the liberal and applied arts and sciences. You have come together in worship and discipleship. Inspired by the love of Christ, continue to be people of conviction who listen, respect, love and seek deep understanding.
Your character flows from being firmly connected to Christ. Thousands of bulbs cannot illuminate the Swinging Bridge without a strong power source. Likewise, stay close to your Source through prayer, fellowship and meditation on God’s word. You are loved beyond measure and reconciled to God through Christ. Channel that love into building bridges of reconciliation. You’re called beyond the comfort of your own perceptions and understanding. Expand your personal and professional circles of favor and inquiry—and expect to be challenged and changed in the process.
Finally, I challenge you to be people characterized by hospitality. Hear these words from Matthew: “…be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (5:14-16, MSG) Go forth in peace: secure in your identity as beloved children of God; filled with courage to work for justice and reconciliation; prepared to learn and grow in knowledge and wisdom; and grounded in humility. Most of all, go forth prepared to inspire a world beguiled by darkness that there is power, hope and health in the light. Go forth surrounded by family and friends, and living in the love and light of Christ.