We recently celebrated the memorial of Saint John Marie Vianney, patron of parish priests. I look at my own priesthood – its ups and down, its joys and challenges – and I am humbled by the life and vocation of this dear saint who indeed serves as inspiration to many, especially myself.

I bring to prayer the seminarians assigned here in the parish – those we have come to know and love (Huong, Ramon and Binh), and how together in our desire to follow Christ, we are made aware of the challenge that seminarians and priests face as we strive toward the goal of living like Him. We acknowledge our individual powerlessness but still say “yes” to God’s power working in us – to use us as He sees fit. At ordination, we are reminded to strip ourselves of out own desires and needs, but only surrender to the Lord’s: we step out in faith and into something much greater than ourselves. Our good example helps the people of God to do the same; and our bad behavior, consequently, affects you, as well.

As a young seminarian about 18 years ago in the Philippines, I remember saying this simple prayer: “Lord, you know my heart. I desire only to serve you.” By God’s grace, and only through His grace, I am 5 years old as a priest, a relatively new parochial administrator this vibrant and dynamic parish in the Tri-Valley, with me uttering the same humble prayer: ““Lord, you know my heart. I desire only to serve you.”

Especially heightened by the pandemic, there are times when I do not know what I am doing … But what gives me solace is the truth that God know what He is doing, and that this is not my own priesthood, but the priesthood of Christ shared with me, however unworthy I am be.

I know that my vocation, other than truly being God’s unique gift, is allowed to grow, mature and find its fullness in the many encounters I have had, and continue to have, along the way. You, people of God, have been authentic witnesses of holiness and faith for me, my source of encouragement and support, the tangible expressions of the God’s love.

The life and vocation of Saint John Marie Vianney shows us the importance of role of priests in the spiritual transformation of our communities. He was able to transcend over his limitations and humble beginnings to become an exemplary priest who changed his town and even the world. May we, seminarians and priests alike, truly find our inspiration from him, who for sure is praying for us!

Sono semipro grate,
Father Erick

(For 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time)