There was a point in my life when I stopped working for a while and kept myself busy serving in our ministry. For almost six months, I did not have any other source of income and I relied mainly on the little savings that I had when I was still working. Because of this, I sometimes heard comments and opinions from other people saying “Sayang ang pinag-aralan mo…” (You’ve wasted your profession.)” or “Mag-ipon ka na para sa hinaharap…” (Start saving for the future…). I was hurt by these remarks because I know that I should help my family financially, but it seems that I had become a burden. Although my family never pressured me on this matter because they understood and they were happy about what I was doing. Besides, I felt a sense of fulfillment serving in this ministry. Eventually, I was able to get a job that paid me decently while at the same time allowing me to serve in our ministry.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds His apostles to continue their mission, even if it meant being persecuted and hated by many people. He invited them to remain in Him for He will accompany them in their every step. The Gospel challenges me to have a firm grip on my vocation and faith, especially in times of persecutions and sufferings. As a future priest, I am reminded that my mission to proclaim the Gospel also entails danger, pains, and conflicts but I must be steadfast and give myself wholeheartedly to Christ for I know He is always with me and He will help me endure all of these until the end.

By: Sem. Ericson Y. Austria

Today’s Gospel

Mt 10: 16-23

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves;
so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.
But beware of men,
for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
When they persecute you in one town, flee to another.
Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel
before the Son of Man comes.”