Let me tell you a story, a story that some people may label as nonsense. Five years ago there was this young man who was eager to carve a place for himself in the world. He was a no-nonsense guy, quite driven and ambitious. Fresh out of medical school, he was very certain of what he wanted at that time – he was determined to be a cutting-edge neurologist. He envisioned that as a doctor, he would make a significant difference for people. But above everything else, he knew with a foolish certainty that he could be one of the best, that he could be rich and famous. Certainly, his outlook reeked of arrogance and conceit. But according to the standard of the environment where he lived, his dream was okay. A man ought to aim high and dream big. He was just following common sense. And for many people, he was actually making perfect sense.

He was well on his way to fulfill his dream. One day, however, he chanced upon an e-mail invitation to participate in a Holy Week retreat in a place called Sacred Heart Novitiate, somewhere in Novaliches. And for some reason, he signed up and went. He went without really knowing why. Really, he just wanted to get plenty of sleep in a quiet place, or perhaps, to plan his future in the United States. At that point, this no-nonsense guy began to go out of character. Because of the decision to go to this retreat, his notion of what made sense began to crumble.

What happened to him? In that retreat, for the first time in his life, he got to pray, as in really pray. Perhaps it was the silence. Perhaps it was the Ignatian prayer periods that alternated with the rich Easter Liturgy. But whatever it was, it became clear to this guy that there was Something, that there was Someone who reached out and touched his heart during those four days. This guy got a good, honest look at himself. He saw clearly all of his faults and shortcomings. He came face to face with the reality that he is a sinner, but in spite of such imperfection, he is loved. He is loved not by a God who is just a figment of his imagination, nor a projection of his feelings, but loved by Christ, who for him became very real, much alive. It was, simply, an experience of God.

And this experience changed his life. Suddenly, this guy who used to be so preoccupied with his self-centered dreams for personal success could not talk about anything else to people except things pertaining to God. He was filled with joy and peace, and there was something in him that moved him to tell his story. Many who heard what he had to tell judged that he was just being melodramatic. Many thought he was speaking nonsense. But in his heart, he knew that his experience of Christ becoming alive within him was true. What was nonsense to other people was for him the only thing that made perfect sense.

In fact, he felt so loved that he could no longer ignore the call to respond. The call was subtle at first. Little by little, he realized that his dreams which were previously very inspiring for him had lost their flavor. He then began a frenetic search for answers. He consulted books. He talked to people whom he knew were knowledgeable of God. Most importantly, he prayed as he had never prayed before. When the burst of emotion subsided, he engaged himself in a serious and guided discernment. Slowly, a desire which he had long buried after his high school years in the Ateneo de Manila was rekindled. Ultimately, he listened to a call that he had long ignored. He joined the Society of Jesus.

As expected, people were shocked. It did not make any sense. And the curious thing was, he continued with this nonsense. He found himself struggling to persevere as a Jesuit, trying to remain faithful to such a way of life. Yet during moments of trial and difficulty, he constantly drew strength from that experience of Christ fully alive.

He continues to tell his story to other people, and at times, he would still be labeled as nonsense. For many, he is simply someone who wasted so many sensible opportunities as a rich and famous doctor. But for this Jesuit doctor, the never-ending opportunities to serve, to make a significant difference, and to love are enough. He knows that he is responding in love to his God. And for him, that makes perfect sense.

- Jon dela Luna, SJ