POOR BUT EMPOWERED
Priests have different charisms. We have priest healers in the country: Frs. Suarez, Corsie Legaspi, Diwane Cacao and Joey Faller are some of them. We have priests known for their exceptional eloquence in preaching: the likes of Frs. Sonny Ramirez, OP, Jerry Orbos, SVD, and several others.
These modern priests are like the Apostles of long ago. They draw their
strength, charisms and authority from the Lord Jesus.
But the Apostles were personally empowered by the Lord. They were faced
with far more challenging tasks. They were to drive away demons and
cure diseases. They were His extensions. Yet, in spite of the enormous
empowerment they received, they were compelled to remain humble. They
were not even allowed to bring second tunics. They were sent as virtual
beggars, bringing almost nothing on their journey, and would live
through limited provisions and whatever their gracious hosts would
offer.
But the possibility of receiving harsh treatment and painful rejection
was always present. Yet, it was enough for them that it is the Lord who
sent them out to proclaim the Good News.
We can imagine the Apostles’ strength and enthusiasm, not so much about
the prospect of traveling as it was no ordinary outing. It was their immersion, their outreach, their mission — all finding their roots in the very mission
and vocation of Christ. And we are sure they ended up victorious on
account of the power of the One who sent them and transformed them to be
strong, sturdy and determined missionaries. Indeed an inspiring story
of ordinary people sent by the Lord to fulfill His tasks. The Lord empowered
them with all the grace they needed to effectively proclaim the Good News.
We share in this mission. We receive the same empowerment. May we, like
the Apostles, succeed in healing the brokenhearted, reaching out to
those in need, curing their emotional and physical ailments, and helping
them embrace and live the Good News. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS
REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you serve as an “extension” of Jesus to others?
Lord, may I endure willingly all the sufferings and rejections while bringing Your Gospel to others. Amen
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