Sem. Francis Jake A.

Gonzaga July 21, 2023

Propaedeutic Year Department Introduction to Seminary Formation

“Dealing with the ‘Signs of the Times’ and Vocation”

There are various questions which are relevant in our contemporary world. It needs to be
addressed and have an answer in order for us to be more aware and conscious with every
decision we make and later on executed.

In our generation, there is a need of knowing the mystery of ‘what’ and ‘how’ to one’s
life when dealing with different turmoil within the society we belong. In this sense, the questions
that arises to this time are, ‘What are your strength or assets?’, and ‘What are your
weaknesses?’. From these generated questions intended to create a concrete awareness to some
areas one should focus in developing and enhancing talents and skills that, in the Christian faith,
are rooted in the grace of God.

It is true that God gifted us talents and skills needed in this life. But it can be differing
from people and from age to age. In psychology, particularly in Erik Erikson’s ‘Psychosocial
Development Theory’,1 expressing human development as observed from different stages. He
also provided an assumption that our development can be classified into ‘favorable and
unfavorable results’ depending on the results if the conflict or crisis are resolved or not. Indeed,
self-awareness to this sense must be given a more emphasis.

Indeed, it is not that easy to know one’s own strength and/or weakness knowing that they
own the body and life he/she possesses. On the other hand, in the book of Genesis, we can see
the story of creation of God to the cosmos, the universe, all the things that are visible and
invisible.2 Where Christian faithful, in our time, are reminded that our life does not belong to us.
We are not the owner of the reality of life. Thus, discovering one’s strength and weakness can be
realized and understood actually in one’s personal encounter with the Triune God – the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is when one actually has that great enthusiasm of knowing more
about God who is the beginning and end of all.

1
Cloninger, S. (1996). Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons – Second Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc. pp. 133-135.
2
Cf. Nicene Creed: ‘The Father, who is the Creator of all things, visible or invisible’.
 When I enter the seminary, 2nd of July 2023, I knew that was the beginning of my real life
in faith. Start to wonder of the things where I am strong or weak. In prayers, I also ask God
frequently of the strength that may He grant “us” the grace of strength. Although the answer may
not be that concrete and He really works in a more mysterious way, I believe that this does not
happen by chance or accident that the name of my dormitory is ‘fortitude’. The virtue of
fortitude holds a beautiful meaning to me for this it reminds me of our triumph on intramurals in
our school. As one of the Cardinal Virtues (hinge virtues), this plays a vital role in attaining all
the other virtues where in this virtue helps me of becoming firm on any difficulties and turmoil in
life.

Strength for me doesn’t revolve only to power and prosperity. It does not mean that if one
has power to rule or govern, dictate or manipulate, control or command, does not mean a person
has all the power in this cosmos and is strong enough. But rather, real strength and power are
found in the Word of God who is Jesus – the Word who became flesh (Eph. 2:18; 2 Peter 1:4).

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – St. Paul the Apostle.

Living and dying in the presence of God is the most precious and valuable in this
synodality. Life is nothing without God. Like Paul, before he became a defender of Christian
faith, was a persecutor; for us Christian, living without Christ is darkness. But God works in an
enigmatic way. Paul’s evangelization of the Good News began after his personal encounter with
Christ. A symbol of metanoia – the conversion of mind and heart.

Like Saul, my life is uncertain without Christ; living without Christ is darkness. Real
weakness is not of having without wealth or money, but rather, the fear of losing God in life.

Life is full of mysteries and uncertainties, most especially in the calling of God to
holiness. Taking and holding the cross towards holiness will never be easy, however, through the
virtues and values exemplified by the holy faithful, and through the imitation of Christ, a Light
will shine in the darkness so that I/we may “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).