Last May, ten of us were able to make profession in the religious life, particularly in the Dominican Order. Yes it was our own, my own will, to become a disciple of Christ. And indeed it happened. We are now professed brothers who are following the footsteps of Christ. But being a follower is not only based on the act of profession itself. It follows afterward. It follows in the succeeding years when we live our lives in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we offer ourselves to God, we are also asked to give ourselves to others. And this is the challenge to us consecrated men of God following the footsteps of Christ, our great model of self-giving, a shining example to us all who are striving to be a good instrument to others. He died on the cross for the salvation of all—as were His disciples who were given the duty and responsibility to announce the Word of God to every nation. This we read in today’s gospel: “He summoned the Twelve and began to send them two by two… instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick…”
As Christians and disciples of Christ, we are not only called to observe and follow the customs and traditions of the Church. We are not here merely to profess our faith to God. We are here instead, like the disciples, to live the ways and teachings of Christ. This is what He expects from us. Whatever life God calls us to live, we are all asked to become one of His disciples, doing and living the faith which we have expressed to Christ Jesus, our Lord. He made us not only to live but also to love, our sacred mission in life.
“Lord, our God, help us make our lives meaningful by showing us the way to know You more and love You more fervently as we follow Your footsteps every day of our lives. Help us also, Lord, to fulfil our missions here on earth through Your divine illumination. Amen.”
PANANAW 