Reflecting on my Vocation

Today's Gospel is focused on vocation.  While listening to Fr. Steve Tynan's homily this morning and to Bishop Tagle's reflection  in his TV program "The Word Exposed" in Channel 4, God reminds me once again of my mission, my vocation as an educator, that is, to touch and  transform lives.  This same mission reverberates in my being. As a matter of fact, God used so many people to make me realize this vocation of being a teacher like His son.  During my confession with a foreign priest, Fr. said this statement which I could never forget, "Being a teacher is a privilege but it is also a responsibility."  That time, it dawned on me that I really have to be cautious in doing my responsibilities because I deal with young minds.  Moreover, since I am a teacher, I represent the very vocation which Jesus Christ instituted when He became a man and lived with His people. Since Jesus is my model, I have to follow His footsteps no matter how hard it is. 

In another instance, during one of the school's outreach programs in rural area, I met a mother who shared her life story with me.  She recounted how she and her son would work hard day in and day out just so  that her teenage boy could study in college.  She was sewing rags the from dawn to dusk while her son was working as a tricycle driver the whole day and studying at night.  This happened for five long years. And one day when she woke up, she was just so surprised that her son would already graduate from college.  In less than a month after graduation, her son was able to get a decent job in Ortigas. This woman's life story is so amazing that I was able to inspire my students to do the same, to be good in their studies and really work hard to obtain a degree not only for themselves but also for their families.  

As I meet people from all walks of life, they constantly remind me of my vocation, to inspire people to be the best they can be.  Just like what today's Gospel communicates to each one of us, we are God's disciples.  And for my end, I will continue to be one through my vocation.