When I was still a student, there was a time when my mother could not send me to college because we were having financial difficulties and she was the one providing for us. Despite this uncertainty, what was certain was my hope and desire to finish college and help my family. Instead of losing faith and doing nothing, I tried to look for scholarships to finance my education. I turned to God because I was incapable of doing it on my own. Yes, He helped me fulfill my dream of obtaining a degree. This was one of the many events proving that God will never abandon me in my most difficult times. It is His plan, and all I have to do is to pray and believe.

In the Gospel, Jesus told the disciples of His upcoming passion. Although He knew about the pain and suffering He would undergo, He remained firm and did not do anything to avoid it. He knew what His mission was – to save humanity through His death and resurrection.

No matter how difficult the situation may be, an ardent faith must be established. It is very hard to follow someone or something when it entails pain and suffering. Problems can be a dark cloud in our faith. It hinders us from believing that greater things will happen. Jesus shows us that if we are truly understand our purpose and our calling, nothing could break our commitment to follow.

The journey towards the priesthood is never easy. There are things that have tested me throughout my stay here in the seminary. There have been a lot of heartbreaks and tears. Yet, I am still here because God continues to bestow His graces upon me. As a priest-in-process, I am invited to hold on to my faith, no matter how tough life can be. His unwavering love is my ultimate motivation to continue persevering. After all, He is the one who will sustain everything.

By. Sem. Bryan S. Valenzuela

Today’s Gospel

Luke 9:43B-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed,
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Pay attention to what I am telling you.
The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
But they did not understand this saying;
its meaning was hidden from them
so that they should not understand it,
and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.