6 May 2026, Church of the Gesu’
Graduation is commonly regarded as a “moving up ceremony”, which means, advancing to a higher level of learning or calling or undertaking. For Loyola School of Theology, I suggest the more appropriate description of a graduation is “moving down ceremony”. After all, LST is nestled by the hillside of the Ateneo campus, overlooking Marikina Valley. There’s nowhere else for our graduates to go but down… figuratively, I mean.
Figuratively, the Ateneo’s Alma Mater Song enjoins its graduates: “Down from the hill, down to the world we go”. Similarly, LST graduates need to go down from the ivory tower of academic life to the messy and grubby world of today, to God’s sheepfold where shepherds should “smell like sheep”, as Pope Francis urges priests to stay close to the people they serve, sharing their lives, feeling their joys and struggles, experiencing their hopes and anxieties.
Academic life tends to isolate us from the real world. This is especially true in Graduate School where we spend most of our time in the classroom or the library, reading books and articles, preparing for Ad Auds or comprehensive exam, writing research paper or thesis. The study of theology can remain nothing more than an intellectual pursuit divorced from life.
Our gospel today about “the vine and its branches” offers a profound lesson for us, especially for our graduates. My dear graduates, you have studied, prayed, wrestled with questions about God, and deepened your understanding of His Word. But as you step into a new chapter of life, Jesus’ words in John 15 remind us that the essence of your vocation is not merely about knowledge, earning degrees or titles—it is about abiding in God, abiding in his Son Jesus Christ.
In this Gospel passage, Jesus uses the image of a vine and branches to illustrate the intimate relationship He desires with us. The vine is the source of life, nourishment, and fruitfulness. The branches, while distinct, are utterly dependent on the vine. Without the vine, the branches wither and die. Without Jesus, we are spiritually lifeless; we cannot do any good work.
As future priests, teachers, ministers, pastoral workers, you are called to be branches that bear fruit. But what is this fruit? It is not merely academic achievement or professional success. It is the transformation of lives through the Gospel. It is the Kingdom of God breaking into the world through your words, actions, and presence. The fruit of the knowledge of God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Yet, fruitfulness is not something we can manufacture on our own. It flows from abiding in Christ. To abide is to remain, to dwell, to stay connected. It is the daily choice to seek Him in prayer, to meditate on His Word, to surrender our will to His, and to allow His Spirit to shape our heart and mind.
Abiding also means pruning. Jesus says, “Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts off. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” (John 15:2). Pruning is not always comfortable. It may involve letting go of habits, attitudes, or even dreams that hinder your growth. But trust that God’s pruning is an act of love, preparing you to bear even greater fruit for His glory.
As you leave Loyola School of Theology, remember that your theological and spiritual journey does not end here. It is a lifelong process of abiding in Christ. There will be challenges—moments of doubt, seasons of dryness, and times when the world’s priorities conflict with the Gospel. But in those moments, cling to the vine. Draw your strength, wisdom, and inspiration from Jesus.
Finally, remember that abiding in Christ is not a solitary endeavor. Just as branches are connected to the same vine, you are part of a community of faith. Support one another, pray for one another, and encourage one another to remain rooted in Christ.
My dear graduates, “down from the hill of Loyola campus, down to the world you go” – you are being sent into the messy and grubby world of today as ministers and disciples of Christ. You are called to become shepherds in God’s sheepfold. Smell like sheep, but above all, abide in Christ as branches connected to the True Vine, bearing fruit that lasts.
May you remain in Him, and may your lives be a testament to His love and truth. Jesus says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Go forth in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
