Homily by Fr. Joseph Y. Haw, SJ
Xavier School President
19 March 2025

Some years ago, I worked as School President at another Jesuit school in Iloilo City. One day, in the middle of a typically busy school day, I noticed a group of students eagerly talking to our librarian. They were trying to convince her to buy extra copies of a particular novel so more students could borrow and read it. Curious, I approached them and asked what book they were so excited about. Would you like to guess the title? Here’s a hint—these students were big fans of Greek mythology.

The book was Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Percy is just a regular boy—or at least he thinks he is. Strange things keep happening to him, and he doesn’t understand why. He struggles in school, gets into trouble, and feels like no one understands him. Then, he finds out that he is actually the son of Poseidon, a Greek god! Suddenly, he is thrown into a world of monsters, gods, and ancient prophecies.

At first, Percy doesn’t like following rules. He is impatient, wants to do things his own way, and doesn’t always listen to the people trying to help him. But then, he meets Chiron, a wise centaur and his mentor. Chiron trains him, teaches him how to fight, and helps him understand his purpose. Percy doesn’t always appreciate the lessons at first—sometimes they feel unnecessary or too hard. But later, he realizes that everything Chiron taught him was for his own good. Without his guidance, Percy never would have survived the challenges ahead.

Now, let me ask you: What do Percy Jackson’s story, your own story, and today’s Gospel story have in common? I think they are more alike than you might realize. You, like Percy, are growing up. You are learning, exploring, and figuring things out. And like Percy, you may sometimes wonder:  “Why do adults—my parents, teachers, or coaches—keep telling me what to do? Why are there so many rules? Why can’t I just figure things out on my own?”

But, just like Percy, you eventually realize that you need guidance. That’s why you have your parents, your teachers, and the people at Xavier School who are patiently helping you become the best person you can be. And now, here you are, able to look back and see how much you have grown through their help.

In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus as a young boy, around your age. He travels with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the Passover, but something unexpected happens — He stays behind in the Temple without telling His parents! Mary and Joseph look everywhere for Him, searching for three whole days! When they finally find Him, He is sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions.

But what happens next is just as important: Jesus goes home with Mary and Joseph and continues to grow under their care. Even though He already knows He has a special mission from God, He humbly obeys His parents and trusts in their guidance.

This is what makes Jesus’ story, your own, and Percy Jackson’s story similar. These stories show us that growing up isn’t just about discovering things on your own —  it’s also about listening to those who love and guide you.

This is also why we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph today. St. Joseph represents all those who stand in the background of your life, patiently guiding you with love and wisdom.

Joseph was a quiet, hardworking father. He didn’t always understand everything Jesus did, but he trusted in God and stayed by Jesus’ side, guiding Him as He grew. He didn’t need to be in the spotlight — he was happy working behind the scenes, making sure Jesus had what He needed to become the person God wanted Him to be.

At Xavier School, you are given the freedom to explore, to think, to question, and to discover new things. Whether it’s through your lessons, your projects, your clubs, your retreats, or even through the friendships you build, you are encouraged to grow into the best version of yourself.

But, just like Jesus needed Joseph and Mary, and just like Percy needed Chiron and Grover, you have learned and gained wisdom because you chose to listen to the people who care for you.

Think about all the people in school who have patiently guided you: Your teachers — who have spent hours explaining lessons, challenging you to think deeper, and preparing you to become leaders. The ODS and staff — who make sure you stay disciplined, who remind you of the rules, and who always look out for you. Your coaches and moderators — who push you to be better, whether in sports, clubs, or competitions. Your classmates and friends —  who, in their own way, help shape you into the person you are becoming. And don’t forget your ates and kuyas — the ones who, like St. Joseph, silently work day after day to prepare your places of learning, prayer, and play.

So today, as we celebrate this Mass, let us thank God not only for what we have learned but for the people who have guided us along the way.

God sent many Chirons and Grovers, many Josephs and Marys to assist you in your growth. Through them, you’ve learned that growing up is not just about what you learn in books or what you achieve. It’s about who you become, and that happens through the guidance of the people who love you. They have been like St. Joseph—patient, hardworking, and loving. They don’t need to be in the spotlight.  But without them, you would not have grown into the person you are today.

So as you continue to grow, keep learning, keep exploring, but never forget the people who love you and guide you along the way. Just as Jesus listened to Mary and Joseph, just as Percy learned from Chiron, and just as you have been guided by your Xavier family, keep your heart open to those who will help you become the best person you can be.

St. Joseph, pray for us.