Sometimes in life, we feel stuck, perplexed and incapable of making a decision. Perhaps that is because things are not transparent or we fear the unknown.

When I was a youth leader in our parish, many people encouraged and asked me to enter the seminary. However, I always answered them with a big “NO” because I thought my decision on the path of married life was already fixed. Every summer vacation, we always had a search-in activity with the diocesan seminary. I encouraged young men to take part in this activity to help them discern their vocation in life. But ironically, I would not join because I feared I might discover the truth about my life’s desire. Also, whenever things about the priesthood came to my mind, I would immediately divert my attention to other things in order to forget them. I blinded myself to the truth. I denied many things and refused to look at the consequences of my actions and choices. I later realized that if I continued doing this, I would suffer because it would only make me feel lost, alone, unfulfilled and empty. So, I prayed to God, and let myself be directed by Him. I called Him and asked for His help in my prayers.

The Gospel today showed us what faith in Jesus could do for us. Notwithstanding Bartimaeus’ condition, he believed deep in his heart that Jesus would hear and restore his sight. His deep faith in Jesus healed him. Indeed, nothing is impossible for Jesus. As long as we do not give up on Him, miracles will happen no matter how difficult the situation.

This experience always reminds me not to give up, no matter what the odds are against me. I will continue doing what He calls me to do because I believe deep in my heart that He is always with me on this journey to the priesthood. He will always help and hear me.

By: Sem. Roldan B. Baliano

Today’s Gospel

Mk 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.