HE WILLS
In
high school, groups of seminarians would go to our school to conduct
vocation campaigns and awareness seminars. But I particularly remember
the leaders of Youth Marian Crusade, especially Aloy Aliño (now a priest
of the Diocese of Cubao) who quoted today’s First Reading: “You have no
idea what your life will be like tomorrow. Instead, say, ‘If the Lord
wills it.’”
It lingered with me for some time but made a shallow impact on me then,
until Jesus manifested His personal call to me to the priesthood. At
that time, when I was seriously considering priesthood, it was clear to
me that I wanted to be a missionary, without fully realizing what it
meant or what it would require. Growing up, I had a fascination to be in
mission. I enjoyed participating in immersion and outreach programs. I
was attracted to the immense possibility of the world outside my comfort
zone.
I eventually entered the Our Lady of the Angels Franciscan Seminary
where, inspired by the missionary heart of St. Francis and his
followers, I was introduced to the fascinating challenge of foreign
missions.
But the Lord had another plan. I did not become a missionary in a
foreign land. Instead, my assignments as a priest were in Pasig,
Malabon, and eventually in Tondo, where I was pastor of different
parishes for almost 19 years. I had no idea how I would turn out; I only
knew that whoever and whatever I am today, it is because of the Lord.
Because He willed it. He wills it.
Looking back, most people who knew me then said that my decision to
enter the seminary was radical. I thought so, too. In fact, I considered
myself anything but priestly. But that is precisely how Jesus called
His first
disciples. He chose, and made them worthy, no matter how radical it all
seemed. And like how I was inspired years ago to take the first step to
respond
to His call to the priesthood, may I also be a testimony to others, now
as a priest, in following Him concretely through active witnessing to
His love — to always be for Him, and Him alone.
Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you ready to do whatever the Lord wills?
Lord Jesus, may I always be ready to obey Your will.
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