Be a Humble Light in the Lord

Last Friday, June 21, 2024, Ateneo de Manila University witnessed a grand confluence of joy, anticipation, and profound wisdom as His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle addressed the graduating class of the college and graduate school.

His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle addresses the graduating class of Ateneo de Manila University on June 21, 2024, inspiring them to 'Be a Humble Light in the Lord.' The ceremony was marked by the conferment of degrees and the Cardinal's acceptance of an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree. | Photo: Aaron Vicencio

The ceremony was marked not only by the conferment of degrees but also by the Cardinal's acceptance of an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree. His speech, titled "Be a Humble Light in the Lord," resonated deeply with the graduates and their families, embodying the essence of humility and service.

Cardinal Tagle began his address with a warm greeting and a touch of humor, acknowledging the relief and joy evident on the faces of the graduates and their families.

He reminisced about his own graduation from the same institution in 1977, drawing a parallel between the past and the present and highlighting the enduring legacy of Ateneo.

"I suddenly remembered our graduation in this same place in 1977. It was the 100th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal's graduation from Ateneo Municipal de Manila. Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, was supposed to be the graduation speaker, but he passed away due to cancer before our graduation.

Ambassador Léon Maria Guerrero took Fr. De la Costa’s place. His speech was beautiful and moving, but I’ll admit to you, I don’t remember what he said to us. So, I don’t expect you to remember what I’m going to say either," Cardinal Tagle shared. [translated]

The Call to Authenticity

Central to Cardinal Tagle's message was the theme of authenticity. He challenged the graduates to reflect on what it means to "be true" and to embody genuine humanity and compassion.

He critiqued the superficiality often associated with "being true" in contemporary culture, urging the graduates to seek deeper, more meaningful forms of authenticity rooted in humility and service to others.

Drawing from the motto of Ateneo de Manila, "Lux in Domino" (Light in the Lord), Cardinal Tagle emphasized that true light comes from being immersed in the teachings and love of Jesus Christ.

He referenced St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and the Gospel of St. John, underscoring that Christians are called to be light in the Lord, not by their own merit but through their connection to Jesus.

“For Christians to become light, we must be inserted or immersed in the true light who is Jesus. Those who declare independence from Jesus will spread inauthentic light,” Cardinal Tagle emphasized.

Light, according to Cardinal Tagle, serves by remaining in the background, enabling others to see clearly. He illustrated this with the Gospel of St. Matthew, highlighting that one's light should lead others to see goodness and give glory to God. This, he pointed out, is the essence of the Jesuit dictum "ad majorem Dei gloriam" – for the greater glory of God.

Confronting the Darkness

Cardinal Tagle did not shy away from addressing the pervasive darkness in the world, caused by inauthentic lights and selfishness. He warned against the individualism that leads to wasted potential and the pursuit of personal glory that results in societal burdens.

Instead, he called upon the graduates to share their light selflessly, ensuring it illuminates the path for others and glorifies God.

In a profound metaphor, Cardinal Tagle explored the concept of "light" as an adjective, signifying both humility and the essential worth of every individual. He contrasted the humble "lightweights" who carry themselves with grace and those who falsely inflate their worth, becoming burdensome to society.

True greatness, he asserted, lies in embracing one's limitations and serving others with a light heart.

“There are also many people who seek their own glory; they seek adulation, likes, and followers. They do not retreat to the background. Just look around our towns and cities. Every lamppost must have the name of the donor. Every bench must memorialize a benefactor’s family. Every playground must bear the name of the official who constructed it. Every spotlight must be focused on them. They end up serving themselves more than others. In fact, they could be manipulating people and situations to serve their fame and power. That is how darkness spreads,” Cardinal Tagle warned.

To illustrate his point further, Cardinal Tagle invoked the example of St. Aloysius Gonzaga SJ, whose feast day coincided with the commencement. St. Aloysius renounced his noble status to serve others humbly and selflessly, ultimately giving his life during an epidemic.

This, Cardinal Tagle suggested, is the model of humble light that the graduates should aspire to emulate.

A Final Charge

Concluding his address, Cardinal Tagle left the graduates with a powerful exhortation: "Be a humble light in the Lord, lux humilis in Domino." This, he affirmed, is the true mark of an Atenean – to shine with humility and guide others towards goodness and divine glory.

As the graduates of Ateneo de Manila University for 2024 step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the wisdom and challenge of His Eminence. In a world that often values superficial brightness, they are called to be humble lights, illuminating the path with authenticity, service, and grace.

To read His Eminence Luis Antonio G Cardinal Tagle’s speech in full: 'Be a humble light in the Lord' | Features | Ateneo de Manila University