June 28, 2026・13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A ・ Ps. 89.2+3, 18+19 ・ Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 ・ Matthew 10:37-42

Within the so-called ordinary time in our church calendar, I used to be so especially amazed described in awe, and in tremble perhaps, considering the theme of our bible readings we have today. It may be my self-centeredness picking-up pieces of a priestly life I`ve been enjoying for almost two decades now. I intend to share with you a brief story of my priestly life and vocation hoping that you too will also share about your own. We together wholeheartedly claim that each one of us has own and unique story to tell (share). It is indeed God`s grace that will enable each one of us to realize that God works in many and mysterious ways.

I grew up with a peasant family in a far flung place south of Manila, in the province of Batangas (Philippines). With a seemingly loving family, I may have enjoyed life with the neighborhood too, peasants as we were. While there were plenty of both good and not-so-good memories back home, I am with many who say that there is no perfect family anyway. I am well convinced that I have been receiving sufficient support, morally and spiritually, and financially, from my immediate family. As to what extent I will eventually consider my family a hindrance, I do not know.

I had expressed my interest in becoming a priest young as a 6-year old boy. A member of the family approached me with seemingly discouraging words of impossibility saying that I have to spend “sacks of coins ” (plenty of money) for seminary academic schooling, and must be smarter to finish the academe. I was too young and too innocent to seriously think about them, I ignored anyway.

Immediately after high school graduation, I took seminary entrance examination. Passing the entrance examination seemed impossible. I knew I did not pass both the written exam and the interview but as to why I in fact do not know, I just found myself already in the formation house a month later.

On my 11th to 12th year of seminary formation, a relative of mine approached me asking me what strange thing came into my mind so I needed to spend my life to a foolish thing I`ll surely gain nothing. I then turned back without saying anything but I just needed to be honest to myself that several times while alone thinking that a relative of mine must had a point.

Many things had happened, many more things will happen. Many experiences have been shared, more experiences are meant to be shared. In “faith-ing,” consolations and desolations are countless.

Our calling, & our short prayer:

     Let us all be partners and supporters and promoters of evangelization. Let us go beyond cultures and skin colors in proclaiming the Word of God. We can all be called one big family as long as we have Jesus as our center. And we pray: in times we experience a seemingly baseless progress and discouragements from others who have different views and values in life, protect us Lord from our enemies and remind us that we have our brothers and sisters in Your vineyard, use them as Your wonderful instruments in creating one family with members who support each other in becoming closer to You. Amen.