Message to the Grade Six Graduates

Reverend Sisters of the Siervas de San Jose headed by Sr. Naty Maravilla, Mrs. Fe Aujero, Division Coordinator for Private Schools, Teachers of STA, proud parents of our soon to be graduates, graduating students, friends, a pleasant morning to all.

The theme you have chosen for this year's graduation is: Keeping The Nazareth Spirit Alive Amidst the Global Challenge. "Is there anything good coming from Nazareth?" asked Nathaniel. In our context, we ask the same question in relation to the global change that happening to us today. If there is any, what is it then that we should keep alive.

But before that, let us look at this "Global Change," what is this thing is all about. Are we affected by this? Global Change is about the world situation that we have right now, whether we belong to the first world or third world nation. It affects our lives and the future that is to come. If we are to make a painting or take a picture of it, the output would be a life of misery, why? Because global change affects individuals, the family, the community and the environment; this is better spelled out in the following situations that we have, economic crisis (financial, employment crisis), socio-political crisis, environmental crisis, moral and religious crisis and many more.

You must have heard of the great economic recession that plague not only our country, but even great nations whom before we looked up to, as stern giants who cannot be toppled down and yet was shaken too. Likewise, you must have read, heard, or even experienced a number of retrenchment/termination from jobs. In a study done by IBON Media it shows that as of December 2008, 107 Million Filipinos lost their jobs. Note that these people were unemployed and not under-employed, for in your economics subject the two terms are different, thus they affect not only the individual but the family and the society as well.

You must have head of chaotic administration, corrupt government administration, political leaders who lack moral ascendancy and the like. You must have felt the abnormal climate that we have. When you are to experience rainy season, the contrast is what you have. You must have seen robots going to the Churches on Sundays. These are people who go to Masses for attendance purposes, but are not moved to believe and be transformed, Why? See, they don't profess their faith. They don't participate actively in the liturgical celebration. They simply seat, kneel, stand, join the queue and leave the church after, with no conversion that happens to them. And so, live life the same. You are living in a world filled with reason of which sin can be justified, therefore no sin. And so the Church is wrong for teaching sin and God's mercy to people. This is the world we are now.

Furthermore, we are made to believe that the more we have the better and powerful we are. Therefore accumulate as many as you can so you will be great in the society.

The bottom line of all of these is man's greed which is translated into the greatest problem of man today which is secularism, said Pope Benedict XVI. In secularism, God has no place, man and the material world is the "god". This is the picture of the global change that we have now.

And you, graduates, who were reared in the spirit of Nazareth, you are challenged to make an "Agere Contra" in a disturbed, confused and even morally lost society. You are called to prove the difference in you as evidence of the long years of formation that you have in Nazareth. But is there any good that comes from Nazareth, that you can bear witness to, or is Nazareth the same as others - the temple that is made as a market place that needs to be cleansed.

If we are to look back from the scripture, we are told that it was in Nazareth where Jesus grew in wisdom and age. In Nazareth, Jesus learns the dignity of man and the dignity of labor (hard work). It was here where his values were shaped. He learned to live in obedience to Mary and Joseph. His love for the Father was nurtured by Mary and Joseph here. He grew in grace learning to seek the Father's will always and abide with it. He learned to pray (as in true praying) and to embrace what simplicity is all about, i.e. trusting completely in the loving Providence of the Loving and Merciful Father. Above all, it was in Nazareth where he gained the wisdom of the cost of loving his neighbor as himself, for this love led him to give up his life so that others may live.

Soon you are to forge a greater call before you could face life with all its complexities, but now you are expected to keep alive the spirit of Nazareth. You will be a testimony of any good that comes from Nazareth. If you have been truly molded by Nazareth prove it in action, don't be afraid to make a difference in the world faced with all forms of crisis. Stand for truth at all times, it will liberate you. Be just to your neighbors, by this you will prove your love to them. Be simple and trusting in the Lord your God and you will find peace in your hearts. Learn from St. Paul who has proven that truly there is goodness that comes from Nazareth. Abide in His words when he said: "BE IMITATORS OF ME."

My best wishes to all of you, dear graduates and to your proud parents, likewise to your humble teachers who shaped you for who and what you are now.AMDG!