As time passes by, one may not easily realize that he is getting older and older. It is indeed hard to get out of one’s comfort zone. In my case, my comfort zone is the life I used to live outside the seminary and all the things attached to it. However, I have been continuously questioning myself if it is the plan of God for me. I have been seriously discerning if God is indeed calling me to the priestly vocation. I went abroad to work and so to forget His calling.

One Friday morning, my aunt invited me to go to the Church with her. I rejected her invitation and reasoned out that I was busy on that day. As much as possible, I did not want to go to the Church. However that morning, she said they were already on their way to my apartment so I had no choice but to turn off my computer and dress up. While inside the Church, I felt so anxious because that was the first time I went inside a Church to attend mass since I went abroad. In the Church, I felt as if God was talking to me and asking if I am contented and happy with my current setup. I realized that the invitation of Jesus never disappeared nor was it diminished.

The Gospel for this Sunday presents to us a personal invitation from Jesus to stay with Him and be His disciples and co-workers for the mission. Despite the many confusions and uncertainties in my mind, I trust that the grace of God can sustain me in my decision to fully dedicate my whole life to the source of happiness in my heart – our Loving Father. Jesus’ teaching is not easy to follow as it requires many things. But I need to take it as a sacrifice, and I must conform myself to His will – Thy will be done.

By: Sem. Jimwell S. Sales

Today’s Gospel

Jn 6:60-69

Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said,
“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this,
he said to them, “Does this shock you?
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending
to where he was before?
It is the spirit that gives life,
while the flesh is of no avail.
The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
But there are some of you who do not believe.”
Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe
and the one who would betray him.
And he said,
“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me
unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this,
many of his disciples returned to their former way of life
and no longer accompanied him.
Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”