SEM. BRYAN S.

VALENZUELA
Special Philosophy 2 - Unitas 2027
Psycho-Spiritual Dynamics of the Experience of Radical Conversion

LIVING IN THE COMFORT OF GOD

"Masusuka ka na lang sa dami ng bagay na dumarating sa’yo kapag pari kana." These are

the words that Fr. Benjo always reiterated when we had the opportunity to talk with him with

regards to the priests accumulating their wealth. His words challenged me to live in simplicity,

even as a seminarian. I need to assess whether the lifestyle I have right now is the lifestyle I want

in the future as I practice my ministry. I saw that Fr. Benjo really lived up to his words, and I

could sense true happiness in fulfilling his ministries without much regard to the standards of the

world.

            Pondering on the discipline of simplicity serves as a reminder for me as a priest-in-

process that my vocation is not towards material possessions but to the One who called me,

which is God. Being obsessed with material possessions could lead to an unhappy life for a

priest. It will cause me to look for more and more without ever ending. Simplicity begins when I

am able to recognize the providence of God in my life. He is the source of everything. He gives

me what I need. Looking back on the first days of my seminary formation, I was so fearful

because I did not know if I could really turn away from my own conveniences, my own comfort,

or the attachment to material possessions. Being a man with so many ambitions in the past, I was

having a hard time shifting into a perspective of simplicity. I was praying to God to teach me and

mold me into what He wanted me to become. In the past year, months, and days of my seminary

formation, God has been working on me in this aspect. But I have seen a difference from my old

self.
            I consider the status of my own family and the struggles I went through as a blessing in

disguise because they made me humble. They taught me to keep things as simple as possible. I

had only a few more things in life, but I could say that I was not lacking in anything. I may not

have what others have, but I felt genuine happiness. I know that I have recognized and

appreciated God’s blessings in my life since I was a child. I saw and continue to see God’s

providence. Personally, I would say that simplicity does not mean deprivation but a state of

contentment.

            When I entered Holy Apostles Senior Seminary, I was in awe because of how it differed

from the previous seminary I was in way back in 2018. I was grateful and fortunate that I found

HASS because it gave me the best of my formative years. I never imagined that a seminary could

be of good quality in terms of facilities, abundant food, and generous brothers. I had to compare

it with our diocesan seminary, and I must say that it was not on par with what I am experiencing

right now. However, I should not turn away from the reality that after my formative years in

HASS, I will go back to the diocese. The ‘convenience’ within the seminary could not be true

with the mission areas where I would possibly be assigned. I should prepare myself for not

having a comfortable bed during the night or a good comfort room. I should also expect

brownouts most of the time. In my seminary formation, I should find balance and simplicity. I

appreciate that I am trained here to seek the apostolic value of some things. It improves my

discernment in purchasing things because there is not always a budget or it may not be worth it

as time passes.

            I find the inward and outward attitudes given by Richard Foster in his book to be true and

timely, especially in this generation where extravagance has become the norm. Living in a time

where technological advancement runs rampant, I found myself able to cope with the changes,
but with limitations. I need to keep things simple in order to avoid living a more complicated

life. Foster states the second inner attitude: knowing that it is God’s business, not ours, to care

for what we have. Simplicity means the freedom to trust God for these and all other things. I saw

in my life how God orchestrated it. He did not give me anything that was not a necessity for me.

I must admit that there are times I ask God for an extra, but He refuses to do so because He

knows that it might harm me in the future.

In terms of outward attitudes, the highlights for me would be to: develop a habit of giving things

away, learn to enjoy things without owning them; and shun anything that distracts you from

seeking first the kingdom of God. I had the opportunity to hear the stories of the generosity of Fr.

Gene Diwa through Kuya Dan. He told me that the advice of Fr. Gene to them, the theologians,

is not to deprive themselves to help others. He added that everything has been given, and it

should be returned by extending our hands to those who are in need. Hearing those words lights

me up because I know that there are priests doing their ministry in the best possible way. It really

inspires me to not help others because it is also an avenue not to be under the influence of money

or any material possessions. This kind of story fueled my desire to persevere in this vocation. I

am saddened by those priests who minister the sacraments because of the stipend they will get.

The worst would be not giving blessings to the dead because the family could not afford to pay.

            As a priest-in-process, the challenge for me is to practice simplicity in my life and in

every aspect of my ministry. Ever since I uttered my "yes" to the Lord, I told myself to remain as

I am, using non-branded clothes or inexpensive materials. There is no reason to change just to

please others with my material possessions. Simplicity in ministry allows me to focus more on

the apostolate. I preferred to spend my time in ministry with the people rather than live a

complicated life funded by luxury. The priesthood is not a profession where, at the end of the
day, I am expecting a salary. It is a vocation and a commitment to God that require simplicity. At

the end of our days, God will never ask me how much I gain from the priesthood, what material

things I buy, or what brand of clothes I wear. I believe that God will be more concerned with

how I fulfill my ministry and how many people I am able to lead to Him.