When I was initially discerning whether or not to enter a diocesan seminary, I considered many things and factors. There were times when I did not want to be a diocesan priest because I observed that they might be too exposed to the world and can be preoccupied with tasks unrelated to proclaiming the Gospel. I thought I must focus on God and the salvation of souls alone. I was more attracted to a life of silence, solitude, and asceticism that becoming a monk had been an option. However, as time passed, I realized that perspective matters, not the place or the situation. I thought I could be in the world without becoming attached to it. Where we are is the ground where we can be formed in holiness. My cooperation with God’s plan, relying on His mercy, wherever I may be, can make me pleasing before Him. When I finally decided to enter a seminary for diocesan clergy, I recognized that it was the will of God for me.

Today’s Gospel reminds me that I can do ordinary work, offer and lift them up to God. As a human being, I tend to focus on the temporal and forget about the eternal. It is a continuous battle to always stay awake by doing my best to live in the present as if each day is my last day on earth. It does not imply that I should avoid mundane tasks but rather that I should perform them with spiritual foresight. Among the many concrete ways I am doing for the second coming of Jesus are: frequenting the Sacraments, receiving Holy Communion, praying, meditating on God’s word, examining my conscience, being present to my community and correcting my faults and imperfections. It is challenging to always be prepared since we are preoccupied with worldly things and affairs. That is why it is practical to fight against our tendency to sin, the temptations of the devil, and the allurement of worldly pleasure. It seems hard, but anything is possible with perseverance and God’s grace.

By: Sem. Jose A. Cordova Jr.

Today’s Gospel

Mt 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”