Life is full of uncertainties. When I entered the seminary last July 18, 2021, I was confident that I was ready to embrace the new path that I would be taking toward the ministerial priesthood. I was sure that my career background, parish exposure, knowledge of the liturgy, and leadership training were enough to endure the challenges of seminary formation. After a year, I now realize that sufficient knowledge and rich experience are not enough to sustain me in the formation. The seminary presents me with so many things that challenge and push me to my limits. Some of these were incomprehensible. However, no matter how challenging, incomprehensible, and hard these things are, they are necessary processes in the priestly formation, especially in the purification of my intentions. As a second-year brother, I discovered that mere knowledge and wisdom are insufficient in this vocation journey. I also need the character of humility. I need to humble and submit myself totally to the formation, even if that means dying to myself.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is reminding us that there are things that are hidden to the wise and learned but revealed to the childlike. Jesus contrasts intellectual pride with childlike simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like children in the sense that they see purely without pretense and acknowledge their dependence and trust in the one who is greater, wiser, and more trustworthy. The best way to know God is through humility, while pride is the greatest impediment. An infant wonders and receives while the wise and intelligent search and seek. We must remain being childlike, simple, and trusting, even as adults. Children are not inherently complicated or deceptive. Hiding behind masks and developing subterfuge is a learned skill. We gradually begin to calculate, make excuses, ration our generosity, and deviate from the simplicity and rectitude of God’s way. We must strive to be honest with our Lord and ourselves, seeking to please Him above all else. Failure in our lives is caused by insincerity, which is the absence of total nobility and utmost sincerity.

By: Sem. Arjay A. Ligamzon

Today’s Gospel

Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”