Rise to His Call
Chief Editor & Sub Editors
Dear fellow parishioners
Pope Francis has inspired all our young people to rise and listen to His call and His love. He says, “We can no longer assume that everyone knows Jesus, even in the age of the internet. The question that many people are asking of Jesus and His Church is precisely this: ‘Who are you?’ How many times have we heard it said, ‘Jesus yes, the Church no!’ as if one could be an alternative to the other. One cannot know Jesus if one does not know the Church. One cannot know Jesus apart from the brothers and sisters in his community. We cannot call ourselves fully Christian unless we experience faith’s ecclesial dimension. Today, Christ speaks to you the same words that he spoke to Paul: ‘Arise! Do not remain downcast or caught up in yourself: a mission awaits you!’ You too can testify to what Jesus has begun to accomplish in your lives” (Pope Francis). Pope Francis reminds us that Paul’s calling is a perfect example of how Jesus knows each one of you by name and has everlasting love for you. He knows who we are and what we are up to. Let’s try to listen to His voice and His love.
‘Arise! Do not remain downcast or caught up in yourself: a mission awaits you!’
How do we do it? Again, Pope Francis tells us how- “It is not enough to hear other people speak about Jesus; we need to speak to Him ourselves, personally. Deep down, this is what prayer is all about. Prayer means talking directly with Jesus, even though our hearts may still be confused and our minds full of doubts or even contempt for Christ and Christians. I pray that every young person, in the depths of his or her heart, will eventually ask the question: ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Whenever a young person falls, in some sense all of humanity falls. Yet it is also true that when a young person rises, it is as if the whole world rises as well. Young people, what great potential you have in your hands! What great strength you have in your hearts!” (Pope Francis). Let’s take this message into our hearts, realize His call, and become a warrior of the Lord.
“Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 26:15)
Dear friends, it is also not solely based on how many rosaries and prayers we recite every day. Your simple presence is a great testament to God’s love for the people around you. You can bring God’s love to others through spending a few minutes listening to someone in need, calling someone who is sick and depressed, giving a helping hand to someone. Even something as simple as smiling when you walk by someone helps us bring the love of God to others and ultimately yourself. Let’s listen to His voice through our brothers and sisters and lift up the world together.
Let’s listen to His voice through our brothers and sisters and lift up the world together.
Chief Editor & Sub Editors
