XSPB SPIRITUAL

An Invitation to Nurture the Light
Fr. Art Borja, S.J.

Posted Monday, 09-Oct-2006 8:27 AM

     2006 is quite special to us at Xavier School. It does not only commemorate the Golden Anniversary of the foundation of this institution but it also honors the anniversaries of three noteworthy Jesuits, namely, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Favre. Together, they helped found the Society of Jesus. In 1556, Ignatius died; earlier in 1506, Francis Xavier and Peter Favre were born.

     What is the significance of all these anniversaries? These events are actually very much intertwined. Ignatius, Francis Xavier, and Peter Favre were great friends during their school days in Paris.  Along with four other companions, they founded the Society of Jesus. For five hundred years now, their burning love and dedication inspired many men to join them. Hundreds of Jesuits spread themselves throughout many parts of the world, including China, in order to bring Christ to the nations. Eventually, a number of those in China moved to the Philippines during the expulsion after the Second World War. And, as they say, the rest is history: Xavier School was established in 1956.

      Is this not a beautiful configuration of events? And could there be some deeply beautiful message through all these?

     The kind of life these men led inspired more and more people to imitate them. At a time when there were great temptations to lead a life of great ease, to the neglect of caring for the underprivileged, Ignatius and his companions vowed a life of service in whatever way the Holy Father wished them to pursue. It is for this reason that many were sent to the missions in Asia, in the Americas, and in Europe. Many lost their lives in martyrdom and sheer difficulties.

     But why would these men bother at all, to live such heroic and saintly lives? It all started with the experience of one man, Ignatius. Upon his spiritual conversion, he saw the light. Jesus became very real to him. Ignatius wanted to live the rest of his life in the Holy Land, if only to be near the place where Jesus lived. He wanted very much to be like the Lord. This personal devotion to Christ grew and developed into a desire to do whatever the Lord willed, whatever would bring greater glory to God.

     Ignatius’ life and personal experience greatly moved and encouraged his friends to live out the same experience.  They, too, saw the light… the light who is Jesus Christ. And they were most enthusiastic to spread that light wherever there was need to, and in whatever way there was a need for it. And so it was, that Francis Xavier traveled the long journey to the East, living like the Indians, dressing up like a teacher among them; and in Japan, when there was a need to change his clothing to that of a respectable dignitary, he readily did so – if only to share that light, who is none other than Jesus Christ. And peoples listened to him, converted to Christianity because he was one among them; he was a credible bringer of that light.

     Here at Xavier School, the great desire to pass on that very same light continues. We want to pass on that light to the students, and students of future generations. The best way to achieve that is not just to talk about it and not just to teach it in school. Teachers and students must put that light into action. The parents, the elders, and all those who live with the students at home must help put that light into action.

     We actually do not see light. We see it reflected. The same holds true with goodness, honesty and uprightness, and all the virtues and values. We do not see these by themselves. They are simply reflected, manifested concretely by others. And if the students see these lived out concretely in the living examples around them, they themselves will be inspired and encouraged to follow.

     This is one great and viable way to nurture the light given to us at Xavier School.

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