Readings:

Genesis 49:29-33,50:15-26
Matthew 10:24-33

Reflection:

Our class was named after Saint Bonaventure because we were ordained deacons on the 15th of July. It was a special day for an important step in our lives. With our Vietnamese background, we acknowledge the importance of clerical life. However, it is primary and more important to remember that we are religious; we are Passionists first.

As Passionists, we follow Jesus and preach Christ crucified. We do not preach alone, but we preach together. We uncover what has been covered. We tell in the daylight what has been said in the dark and proclaim what has been heard in whispers. It is a big challenge for our Vietnamese Passionists because we live in persecution and do not dare to proclaim. We sometimes preach what the world loves to hear more than what our dear Jesus instructed.

However, we “do not be afraid” and keep trying our best to grow like our dear teacher, Jesus Christ. We glorify God, not ourselves. There is nothing to fear when we preach God’s Love through the Passion. We dare to keep walking forward because we know God’s care for us. This is an invitation for all of us to acknowledge God’s love and providence and proclaim it to the world.

JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.