Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Invocation Delivered at Delaware County Council Meeting
January 3, 2012
Psalm 8 tells us that: “Oh Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth . . . You have made [man] little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor.”
Americans share a common respect for the dignity of the human person. As we grow, it becomes our task to honor the God-given dignity of others by serving their practical needs and creating a culture of mutual concern and justice. This is why public service is so important – it gives praise to God Himself by serving and protecting the infinitely precious human persons he made.
In a special way, public service at the local community level is where the work of justice begins, because that’s where government affects individuals and their needs most intimately. And that’s why we honor and have such gratitude for the work of the County Council and its members today. Their work matters – not theoretically, and not far away; but here, for the local community, now. So let’s settle our thoughts for a moment, and turn to our Creator in prayer.
Father in heaven,
You created us in your image, and you guarantee the dignity of each and every human life. Help us to reach out to the homeless and the elderly; the disabled, the poor and the weak. Help us to reflect your light to others, and to show by our living witness that justice, integrity and mutual respect guide the community we share.
Bless the members of the Delaware County Council, and help their vital work to thrive in the years ahead. Pour down your grace on all of Pennsylvania, and give us the eyes to see you in each other, and to live and love accordingly. We ask this as your sons and daughters, confident in your mercy.
Amen.