Today’s Gospel reading reminded me of my vacation six years ago. My sister went to Vietnam for a business trip and she decided to bring me along. I was so excited to go there, mainly because I would have the chance to visit the tomb of one of my favorite saints, St. Theophane Venard, a martyred French missionary priest. On my visit, I was surprised that most churches in the country kept relics of Vietnamese saints. The Catholics in Vietnam, despite their small number, have been very faithful, inspired by their saintly fellowmen who were witnesses of the faith until death.

We are also celebrating today the Korean martyrs St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn and companions. These holy martyrs have been a shining and burning light to their fellowmen – their steadfast and ardent faith continuously serves as an inspiration to their fellow Koreans and for us Catholics.

This gives me hope as a priest-in-process. I should always try to bear the light of faith everywhere I go and in whatever I do. I must strive to live a holy life. Someday, when I become a priest, I will be put in a greater limelight and there is no better way to really shine as light than to start living the light of love and holiness now.

May God grant me the strength and dedication in my journey towards holiness and love.

By: Sem. Tristan Ralf Q. Pacheco

Today’s Gospel

Lk 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away.”