Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has urged Catholics to proclaim the Gospel to everyone, not only to those who appear receptive, emphasizing that no heart is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Preaching during the celebration of the 30th priestly ordination anniversary of 10 priests from the Archdiocese of Palo on July 12 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Tacloban City, central Philippines, Cardinal Tagle reflected on the Gospel parable of the sower, encouraging the faithful to imitate God's generous love by sowing the seeds of faith without discrimination.
"Let us join Jesus in spreading the word of God. Let us not choose only those who are easy to talk with," said Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization's Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches.
The Cardinal reminded the congregation that Christians are called to bring God's word even to people whose hearts may seem hardened, distracted, or resistant, trusting that God alone can transform lives in ways human beings cannot foresee.
"Go share the word of God with them. Be the messengers of God and show people that the word of God will create in us a new humanity, a new creation, a changed person. But let us first be living witnesses to them," he said.
Cardinal Tagle stressed that God "shows no favorites" in sowing the seeds of faith, offering hope even where belief appears weak or difficult to cultivate.
Addressing the priest-jubilarians, Cardinal Tagle said every priestly vocation is nurtured by countless "sowers" who plant the seeds of faith in families, schools, parishes, and communities.
"Every priest needs sowers, beginning with the family, beginning with friends, beginning with the schools. So, each one, each institution, each person should be a sower," he said.
Among those celebrating their 30th ordination anniversary was Msgr. Erwin Jose Balagapo, undersecretary of the Vatican dicastery where Cardinal Tagle serves. The other jubilarians were Fathers Arnold Aurillo, Romeo Gomez, Raymund Ciprian Mazo, James Jubal Meneses, Pastor Carreon Jr., Alvin Nicolasora, Edwin Perito, Carlos Rodriguez Jr., and Ronel Taboso.
Speaking on behalf of the jubilarians, Msgr. Balagapo said their priesthood is a gift rooted not in personal worthiness but in God's mercy.
"We were ordained not because we were worthy, but because God in his infinite mercy and love called us. Everything we are, and everything we have accomplished comes from God," he said.
Reflecting on three decades of ministry, Msgr. Balagapo said every life touched through their priestly service has been the work of God's grace. He also appealed to the faithful to continue supporting priests through prayer, friendship, and charitable correction whenever necessary.
"Please continue to pray for your priests. Help us become the priests that Christ desires us to be. Never grow tired of loving your priests," he said.
Concluding his homily, Cardinal Tagle recounted meeting a young woman in Poland whom he jokingly asked why she had not yet become a religious sister. Years later, she wrote to tell him that she had entered a Benedictine monastery.
The Cardinal said the experience demonstrates how even a simple conversation, a smile, or a lighthearted remark can become a seed that God uses to inspire faith and vocations.
"So, let us sow seeds. And let God be the real sower. God knows the soil of which we are made and God will take care of his seed," Cardinal Tagle said.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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