CHRISTMAS is supposed to celebrate Jesus’ self-giving and his “lifelong crusade” to bring back humanity into God’s embrace, Vice Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. said Monday in his homily for the annual Paskuhan Mass.
“[God] will go to great lengths, do everything humanly possible just to bring us closer to him. [K]aya tuwing pasko, may pagbibigayan sa isa’t isa at may pakikipag-ugnayan sa bawat miyembro ng pamilya,” he said.
Ang praised the “beautiful” decorations and lights in the University but reminded Thomasians not to forget the meaning behind their lighting.
“Wag nating kalilimutan na sisindihan natin ang mga parol hindi para magtawag ng atensyon sa sarili. Ang liwanag nito’y paggunita lamang sa tunay na liwanag na nagmumula kay Hesus na ating tagapagligtas. The world became a brighter place because of him.”
The Vice Rector encouraged students to remain resilient and to learn how to carry their burdens, reminding them that Jesus promised peace and not an easy journey.
“The peace [Jesus] offers is the kind of peace that will allow us to experience serenity in the face of all circumstances that would cause us pressure. Kahit magbagsakan na ang lahat ng mga bagay sa paligid mo, pati na [ang] mga grade mo, makukuha mo pa ring ngumiti,” he said.
Ang said Thomasians can become peacemakers by emulating God and spending time with Him. He urged students to reach out to others in the same manner that God treats them: “with kindness, compassion, [and] understanding.”
The Eucharistic celebration was held at the Plaza Mayor. Christmas decorations all over the campus were lit afterward, marking the beginning of Paskuhan festivities with the theme “Light from Light, Prince of Peace.” The Paskuhan fair and program will be held on Dec. 21. F
