One Big Five

Atchi, Noel Christopher Lavarias, bon fire tayo?

And because of that today happened. 

I find it funny that Tita Jojo was the instigator.  I had no plans of going but I am definitely glad I went.

Going back to Ateneo was like coming home.  As we entered Gate 3, it was the same and yet was not.  There were new buildings but the trees that lined the driveway giving shade were still there.  Bearing witness to the changes the institution has gone through.  I hope they will still provide shade for generations of future atenistas.   Bellarmine field looked much greener, lush green.  Probably benefiting from the many monsoons we've had.  

When we got to the gym, I'm amazed at how fast they were able to organize this.  Ah the power of social media.  This makes me glad to be in IT.

We went early because we wanted to attend mass.  The mass was delayed because the athletes were still signing autographs, but it was worth the wait.

Fr. Jett was presiding and he opened with - "Kumusta na kayo?" - simple question. One that we often ask. I don't know why that simple and common question triggered something in me.  Kinda made me think, really how am I?

Addressing the athletes - "Kumusta na kayo?  Masakit na ba ang mga kamay ninyo sa kakapirma ng autograph?  Nakaka-relate ako dahil pumipirma rin ako ng diploma.  Last year there were 3000 graduates.  Sa lagay na yan hindi pa ako atleta."  - or something to that effect.

Then there was his homily.  The gospel was about the man who asked Jesus how he can guarantee a seat in heaven.  He followed all the commandments, what more can he do?  Christ looked at him with love and said to give your possessions to the poor.  

Fr. Jett noted that Mark's gospels were usually very direct and to the point, like a reporter sticking to the facts.  But the comment that Christ looking with love - indicates he had an inkling that Christ's answer would be difficult for the man to follow.  

Not that Christ is asking us to sell our possessions and live in poverty.  Fr. Jett asked what was weighing you down?  It may not be material possessions, it may be fear or regret.  To let go of these would grant us freedom and lightness of being.  And to love is to be truly free.  And he says while we do things guided by our brains, we should harness doing things with love.  He says that Ateneo is blessed to have people within the institution who do things out of love.

Rare is it when I listen to a homily and hear Christ speaking through the priest with such clarity.  Fr. Jett has that gift.

As we were drawing to a close something happened.  It was a simple act but spoke volumes.  Fr. Jojo was co-celebrant (as Tita Jojo said -read: assistant).  As he was fixing the altar in preparation for the final blessing.  He went about smoothing the cloth, adjusting the pages to show the correct section, then he positioned Fr. Jett's glasses just so.  Something about the act was so very precise and humble.  And from the way he did it, even if it may seem like a small act to us, he was very present to it.   Here was the provincial superior being a servant leader, and unassuming.  It was a lesson for me in humility.

The final song was our Alma Mater Song, this was also sung during the bonfire.  Whenever we sing it, I always feel a sense of community.  And it is always a joy to see all the generations of atenistas present raising their fists. From lolos and mums to little kids.  Tita and her batchmates had their fists raised.  And yes, I proudly raise mine too.