By Truc Vu, C.PP.S.
Chicago, October 10th, 2013
Who has given us the ministry? I think that it is Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). All ministries flow from Jesus’ ministry, in which we are called to proclaim the Good News to the people. However, how can we know clearly that we are on the road to the ministry of Jesus? Spending a long time in religious life, I have discovered that the road leading me to ministry is community, school and society.
Community is the place where I am trained to be a disciple of Jesus and a Missionary of the Precious Blood. In the Community, I learn about the spirituality of the Precious Blood and Saint Gaspar, our founder. At the same time, I have opportunities to improve myself and share my faith with others. Each day for me is like a bead of a rosary, leading me to a life of prayer, love and relationship with God and others. Each day is also a challenge for me to be able to complete my duties: my duty to myself and to the Community. This helps me to recognize who I am in the Community—a Community of the spirituality of the Precious Blood.
Each day is a moment to discern my vocation: to what purpose does God call me? I find an answer in this vocation prayer: “God [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][calls] me for a purpose, a specific task for the Church, community and humanity—a work which only I can do and no other. If I do not accept this work, it will never be done. Therefore, I have a job to do.”
School is also a place where I learn about God and the Church’s ministry in the world. Through the Bible, I know that God is love. He comes to the world to proclaim the Good News to us. God also calls us to bring His words—words of justice, reconciliation and peace—to the world, as Saint Gaspar was called to renew the Church through the ministry of the Word and the proclamation of our salvation in Christ’s Precious Blood.
Today, Christ continues to call me to participate in His ministry. First and foremost, I need to be equipped through my studies with the knowledge of God, the teaching of the Church and the necessary skills to do God’s work. School provides me with wisdom and knowledge to serve God effectively. This ministry is not from my intention or desire but from God who has given us the ministry (2 Cor 5:18). Thus, I know that I can do all things in God, my strength.
Finally, I have to do this ministry in the society in which I live. When I served the poor at the House of Bread at Saint Francis Xavier last summer, I recognized that God was present with the people in need. God needed my cooperation to serve the poor who are His children. When I serve people with mental illness at the Faith and Fellowship, I am aware that they are also God’ children. Thus, God’ ministry is not only to Christians, but also to others who belong to other religions. We are to be present with them and listen to their stories with dignity and respect. It can be said that society is a place to challenge and test my vocation to God and others.
In short, the road to ministry is a process including three steps: community, school and society. This process helps me understand and discern my vocation for the ministry of God. A ministry is not only for me, but for all people who want to become Jesus’ disciples and Missionaries of the Precious Blood in this world. A specific task for the Church and humanity is completed only when I accept it as a gift from God who is love (Jn 4:16).[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
