Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry at Benilde-St. Margaret’s is not just one person or group, but it is truly our entire community working in a variety of programs. Through this ministry, we work at developing the total personal and spiritual growth of the members of this community.

For our students, the basic goal of campus ministry is to help them realize that they are truly loved by God. Through our programs, we help our students strengthen their relationship with God and discern their spiritual gifts and God’s will for their lives. We also help them to witness to their faith more openly with one another and support one another in living as disciples of Jesus. We seek to draw all members of the BSM community to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community, centered around Jesus.

Advent/Christmas Reflection: When God Leans Down

By Mike Jeremiah, Campus Minister

December 2011

We are definitely in the season of gifts, and it’s always at this time of year that I reflect on the many special gifts that fill my life. I always begin by giving thanks for each of you and for all that you bring to help make BSM the amazing, Spirit-filled community that it is. I have been, and continue to be, blessed to serve as a member of the BSM family. Another of my special gifts is a little ten-year-old girl by the name of Taytum, who is the daughter of two very good friends. I have known Taytum since the day she was born, and I’ve had many opportunities over these years to babysit. I pretty much know the dialogue of Monsters, Inc. and of every Toy Story movie ever made. I am also very well versed on everything Disney from Hannah Montana to Wizards of Waverly Place, and I have the complete collection of “Buddies” movies for those who may wish to borrow them.

Just recently I was thinking back over all my times with Taytum. When she was very small, we had returned to my house after a trip to the toy aisles at Target – I really needed to pick up a few things! We were sitting in my family room watching Chicken Little when Taytum said, “Uncle Mike, do you know what my favorite thing in the whole world is?” Even though I am not really “Uncle” Mike, I love the title since I was an only child and never had the opportunity to be an uncle. She had a smile that extended from one side of her face to the other. I said, “No, Taytum, I don’t know. What is your favorite thing in the whole world?” “My favorite thing in the whole world is when my daddy leans down!” I must have had a puzzled look on my face, because she continued, “You know, Uncle Mike. When he leans down.” “I’m not sure I know what you mean, Taytum.” “I can’t explain it, Uncle Mike. You’ll see.” And we continued the adventures of Chicken Little.

Later that afternoon, Taytum’s dad came by to pick her up. When she heard the door, she ran upstairs and I quickly followed. There, I saw her dad lean down and open his arms wide to the little girl who quickly ran to be embraced by the father who loved her so much.

That image has stayed with me. In fact, as I have gotten older, the more I see myself as that child, running into the arms of the one who loves me so much. There are so many times in all of our lives when God leans down, arms open wide, to embrace us when we are tired or unsure or hurt or lonely or just in need of reassurance. That image is especially powerful during this season of Advent as we move through these days toward Christmas. God has “leaned down” throughout salvation history . . . most fully in the sending of his Son. God continues to lean down, gently calling to each of us . . . may our hearts be open to be embraced by the one who loves us so much! May this Season and the New Year ahead hold countless blessings for each of you and for all those you love.