“Take the risk.” This was the invitation from the seminary when I attended the Lived-In Vocation Discernment Seminar last January 2020. When I was discerning whether or not to enter the seminary, I was faced with the question of whether I could give up and surrender the things that I already have, the career opportunities that were waiting for me, the family I love, and the friends who were always at my side. I reflected on whether giving up these things were worth the risks.

Entering the seminary meant getting out of my comfort zone. It would be a 180-degree turn from the life that I used to live. Now that I am in my second year of initial priestly formation, I realize that the call is not simply to take risks but to die to myself.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that whoever wishes to come after Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. Following Jesus is easy when life is running smoothly. Our true commitment to Him is revealed in times of difficulties and trials. Jesus warns us that trials would come to His followers. Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never concealed that there is a cost. Commitment to Christ means taking up our cross daily, giving up our hopes, dreams, possessions, and even our own lives for the cause of Christ. We can only be called His disciples if we are willing to take up our cross. The reward is worth the price. Jesus followed His call to die to oneself with the gift of life in Christ: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it”. To share in Christ’s glory, we must also share in His sufferings and die many deaths.

By: Sem. Arjay A. Ligamzon

Today’s Gospel

MT 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”