Three siblings ordained on the same day

Reflection Date: January 12, 2026 Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-8; Mark 1:14–20

Children of God, there is a beautiful and rare story from our own context in the Philippines: the story of the Avenido brothers, three siblings who were ordained priests on the same day. It was not only a personal milestone for each brother, but a powerful witness for the Church and for their family. One household, one set of parents, one shared story of faith and yet three individual responses to God’s call, all converging on a single altar at the same moment. Jessie, Jestonie and Jerson Avenido were ordained priests on September 8, 2021 at St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Amazing grace, indeed!

In the gospel story of Mark, Jesus begins his public ministry by calling not individuals from separate places, but brothers from the same families—Simon and Andrew, James and John—men who knew each other deeply and shared the same boats, nets, and daily struggles (Mark 1:16–20). From these stories, what are our inspirations for today? What can we learn about vocation, discipleship, and following Christ?

First, God’s call often comes to us within the ordinary and familiar spaces of family and daily life. Jesus does not summon the disciples from the Temple or the palace, but from their workplace by the sea, right in the middle of their routine (Mark 1:16–18). Their nets, boats, and family ties are not obstacles to God’s call; they are the very context where the call is heard.

The story of the Avenido brothers reflects this same truth. Their shared vocation did not begin on ordination day; it began at home around family prayers, shared values, and ordinary moments of faith. God used the familiarity of family life to awaken something extraordinary in each of them.

This reminds us that holiness and vocation often grow quietly. God speaks not only in dramatic moments, but through parents, siblings, daily responsibilities, and the steady rhythm of life.

Second, following Jesus requires both personal decision and shared courage. Each disciple responds personally, yet no one follows alone. Simon follows with Andrew; James follows with John (Mark 1:19–20). Their response is immediate, but it is strengthened by companionship and shared resolve.

This teaches us that discipleship is deeply personal, but never solitary. God often gives us companions: family, friends, communities, so that when one grows tired, another helps carry the journey forward.

Children of God, the call of the first disciples and the witness of the Avenido brothers remind us that God continues to call today through families, relationships, and ordinary work. The invitation remains the same: to leave what binds us and follow Christ with trust and courage.