50 something about God

In the field of Philippine basic education, if there is one person who personifies 21st-century learning, no one would come close to the achievements accomplished by Xavier School’s director, Fr. Johnny Go, SJ. Years before the Department of Education mandated the use of Understanding by Design (UbD), Fr. Johnny himself was already training his teachers about the ins and outs of the now famous revolutionary educational framework. But Fr. Go did not stop there. Year after year, exciting innovations were introduced and envisioned. Fr. Johnny played around with the idea of having one computer for each student in the classroom. What started as an experiment is currently the setup for one batch of Xavier students who now have one Mac laptop each as part of their required materials in school. His recognition of the value of technology to reach out to his students is clearly manifested in the school’s classrooms as each is equipped with an LCD projector and other hi-tech educational gadgets such as roving iPads and mimeo boards. Just last year, Xavier School became the only Jesuit school in the country to be granted the International Baccalaureate program, a status that would give students an international diploma recognized by prestigious universities outside the Philippines.  Indeed, in Xavier School, the progressive mindset of the business world meets the noble profession of teaching.

But that is Fr. Johnny Go as innovative educator par excellence. People who know him well are aware that he plays many other roles oftentimes consecutively and simultaneously. At the heart of these roles, however, Fr. Johnny clearly draws his strength and inspiration from his personal relationship with God. Friends and acquaintances of the prolific Jesuit recognize that among his many achievements, what are most appreciated are his thought-provoking and heartwarming homilies and reflections that are profound and down-to-earth at the same time.

Fr. Johnny’s reflections are so popular that during Advent and Lent, people who know him eagerly await his online recollections (yet again another inspired use of technology!). Last year’s Lent brought in a thousand hits in his webpage, representing thousands of people who took time to pray instead of going to the beaches and other summer destinations. A few years ago, when his busy schedule still allowed him to post his Sunday homilies weekly, I confess that I always brought with me a copy of his homily to church and read this instead of listening to the priests of our diocesan parish. 

What exactly is in Fr. Go’s homilies that are worth the fan craze and addiction? Most would say his homilies are just what we should expect from a Jesuit — deep, meaningful, and enlightening. Some marvel at how he does this with a witty sense of humor, and skillful use of language that is easy to relate with and understand.

To the delight of those who follow his homilies and recollections, Fr. Johnny Go launched 50mething (read as 50 something) last Sept. 29. The book is a collection of Fr. Johnny’s 50 most-loved homilies as chosen by his dearest friends. As icing to the cake, the book will not be published for his own personal benefit but rather to raise funds for Xavier’s adopted school for the poor, ERDA Technical & Vocational High School, where he also serves as chairman of the board. With only less than a hundred days to go before Christmas, a lot of people who know Fr. Johnny have been placing bulk orders for 50mething as it is the ideal Christmas gift since it offers the receivers a glimpse of God’s love and grace and an awareness of how He reaches out to us even in the most mundane experiences. Available at National Book Store, the book costs P500 each. Fr. Johnny would joke, “Think of it as P10/homily.” Then again, Fr. Go reassures his readers the price is just enough to raise a significant amount for the scholarship of poor students at ERDA Tech.

In his book signing, Fr. Johnny writes in each autographed copy, “May these pages lead you to prayer.” Perhaps, it is through his own words that we could understand his secret as a writer and homilist. These reflections will surely touch your heart and make you think. But its true power lies in its ability to encourage readers to reexamine their relationship with God and inspire them to respond to a calling in their hearts that they have so often ignored due to the worries and concerns of everyday life.

Helping in the education of the poor and becoming closer to God, you’re cordially invited to experience the magic of Fr. Johnny Go’s homilies, which God has used through the years in touching the lives of many people.  I guarantee you 50mething is worth buying, reading, and reflecting on over and over again.