“To give and not to count the cost...to Labor and not ask for reward...”

In a simple ceremony last May 10, 2011, Xavier University symbolically turned over 20 housing units to the victims of the last 2009 flood through Habitat for Humanity. In his message, Fr Jett shared a very interesting thought which I wish to share it with you. It goes something like this:

What is inspiring about this project is it is born out of generosity. Imagine a world were mere transactions happen. We lose some, we gain some – net gain zero. The world would pretty much be stagnant. Generosity on the other hand does not seek for reward. We labour because of our love for the poor and this moves our nation forward.

Take away the rigidity of economic considerations, this thought actually is true. We do not gain directly at least financially from our volunteer work but social justice is well served through our labor of love. And social justice is the ultimate objective of our work. I am also happy to see the fruition of the Central Student Government’s House Build Program which contributed one housing unit. The resources were made possible through the generosity of our students and student leaders led by Iraquel Gala.

So for all us, let us keep the equation unbalanced most of the time. As what Ignatius perfectly stated: “To give and not to count the cost...to Labor and not ask for reward...”