After a day of workshops and fun activities it was but timely for all to pause and rest. The Holy sacrifice of the mass for the 2nd day of the SFC ICON was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Xavier Olin, S.J. He invited all the delegates to reflect on the scene in the gospel today where Jesus calls out to the tax collector, Levi, “Follow me”. He said, “We see Jesus mingling with sinners, prostitutes & tax collectors. In the gospel, Jesus comes and approaches Levi, who was busy counting coins, earning his livelihood. Just as Jesus came and called Levi, Jesus comes and calls us. However, do we welcome the interruption? Many times we hate to be interrupted from our routine, our work, our comforts, but zooming in the scene for today’s gospel, we see that WE NEED INTERRUPTIONS.”

He proceeded to mention a reality in all the delegates’ lives. “We gather this weekend interrupting our busy lives even taking leave from work. We see that we need and are thankful for these interruptions. Levi, the tax collector, allows and welcomes Jesus’ interruption. He is never the same again. When he responded to Jesus’ interruption he was shown a much bigger world. The gospel teaches us not to be afraid of INTERRUPTIONS and not to hate the “INTERRUPTORS” who lead us to stop and pause from our busy lives.”

He went on to mention several Filipinos who in recent event have become examples of Levi’s response to Jesus’ call – Efren Penaflorida, the Philippines’ CNN Hero, Muelmer Magallanes(Hero during the Typhoon Ondoy) and “Melai”. Three ordinary people who are even poor themselves but chose to respond to “interruptions” and in doing so made significant difference in other people’s lives.

Fr. Xavier concluded with a reminder to the delegates as we all prepare for lent. “It is meaningful that we come together to STOP from the things we’ve become so familiar with. Let us spend this time to examine our habits, our lifestyles…our lives. He urged the delegates, “the Lord always calls us to collect and gather. To GATHER people and help people GATHER others.” Jesus is here and He calls, “FOLLOW ME.” Live.