Mary is one of the greatest proof of God’s faithfulness to His people. Her canticle or the Magnificat proclaims that God’s mercy and justice encompass the marginalized people who fear and obey Him. Also, it is a call to mission. Mary, who hoped for God’s compassion to the lowly humbly fulfilled her mission to be the mother of Jesus.

Last year, the very first formation house in our diocese opened offering a one-year formation for young professionals who think about being a priest. I providentially met seminarian friends who invited me to give it a try. At first, I was hesitant because I was employed. I was not ready to give up my bread and butter for me and for my family. Nonetheless, upon my discernment, I took the courage to enter the formation house. Our bishop who happened to be the rector allowed me to be part of the community while being employed. Like Mary, I have found favor with the Lord. I was able to experience the life inside the formation every after work and weekends. Despite the hitches brought by the pandemic, my faith continued to flourish. I was able to finish the one-year orientation and finally decided to give up my work to continue my discernment. With God’s grace, I was able to persevere. Now, I continue to follow the Lord here in the Holy Apostles Senior Seminary.

I felt so blessed the moment God called me and gave this gift of priestly vocation. My soul continues to proclaim His greatness as what Blessed Virgin Mary genuinely expressed when she paid a visit to her cousin Elizabeth. With her intercession, it became clear that I am called for a greater commitment. Despite the fear and feelings of inadequacy, I still choose priesthood since God first chose me to be one of His laborers soon in His field.

By: Marlon T. Yebes

Today’s Gospel

Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.