Observe simplicity, generosity this Yule: Gesmundo

Live in simplicity and share blessings to others.

This was the Christmas message by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo during the SC annual Christmas celebration held last Friday, 9 December 2022, at the Supreme Court grounds in Ermita, Manila.

The chief magistrate reminds employees that "Christ lived a life in the modest of circumstance. That way, He sought to understand us, for he came not to judge us, never to condemn us, but to show us the path to our salvation. It is in being simple that we can truly understand others, most especially, the least of our brothers and sisters, for whom Christ had come. As has been said, let us live simply so that others may simply live."

Everyone was reminded that "the motivation for the season is love" and that we must be a blessing to others and to reflect God's love by sharing and giving to others.

"This is the only way we can put meaning to Christmas, for we can give without loving, but we can never love without giving. Indeed, it is not what we receive from others but what we give and do for them that will bring joy to us this season. It is only when we empty ourselves to others that we can approximate the love God has shown to us by the birth of His Son. So this Christmas, let us be generous and share our blessings with others," he said.

A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr. D.D., who noted the Feast Day of St. Juan Diego as a fitting reference to simplicity and service, as St. Juan Diego dedicated his life in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe and took care of the pilgrims who came to see her shrine.

The Chief Justice also took the occasion to rally support for the Court's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which was launched last 14 October.

The SPJI is the blueprint for judicial reforms, that set into motion the Court's plans for transformation with the rollout of the National Summit on Legal Aid and the National Summit on Clinical Legal Education which were convened just days apart from each other.

Also mentioned by Chief Justice Gesmundo is the ongoing Ethics Caravan for the Proposed Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability which had been well-received in the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Naga.

The next leg of the Ethics Caravan will be held in Baguio City next year and will culminate in the National Summit on Ethical Standards for Lawyers in February 2023.