โYou too go and work in my vineyard” (Cf. Mt 20:4).
Dearest friend, you are most privileged to have been posted to do this year’s apostolic work. You may not really understand the greatness of this privilege until you have seen those who were not posted or those, though their names appeared on the posting list but have been mandated by either their Bishop or Superior not to go anymore because of one reason or the other. What about those who could no longer go because of sickness or even death? Just look out very well, you will see people of these categories; hence, you have a reason to thank God.
Perhaps, some have begun their apostolic work already and others are yet to begin; however, we wish all and sundry a successful work!
Dearest friend, please, remember that it is the VINEYARDย of God that you are going into and be conscious not to MESSย it up. Work assiduously for the expansion of God’s kingdom, enlightening of the people’s faith and not for the advancement of your own plans. You are sent to the whole people and not only to those who can offer you โPECUNIA.’ Be smart and godly in your relationships; especially with the โPUELLAE‘. Please, do not allow yourself to be entangled in any relationship; because, that will surely constitute serious distractions in your priestly formation/life.
Also, be mindful of the biblical promise that: โ…those who instruct many in righteousness will shine as brightly as the stars” (cf. Dan 12:3b). But also, โanyone who causes one of these children to fall into error, it would be better for him to have a large millstone tied round his neck and be drowned in the deep sea” (Cf. Mt 18:6). Do not forget the Latin adage: โCorruptio optimi pessima est”ย (the corruption of the best is the worst). Do not be the one to corrupt the innocent ones you are going to meet at your places of assignment. Please, bear in mind that the people are looking at you as a messenger of Jesus Christ; which you really are. Do not disappoint them, the Church and yourself๐๐ผ
๐๐ผAlso, try your best to instruct the people of God on the SEVEN SACRAMENTS, the TEN COMMANDMENTS and other basic Catholic teachings and Culture. As you must have observed, a number of Catholics are already drifting away because of poor or even lack of CATECHESIS on the above. I assure you that once they are properly instructed, they would come to value the Catholic faith. Indeed, if one does not know the value of gold, even if you give it to him/her as a gift, it would make no meaning to him/her.
Finally, dearest, PRAY always that you may carry out the work in fulfillment of what the Master of the vineyard wants so as to receive the everlasting CROWN of glory (cf. 1Pt 5:1-4). Be assured that PRAYERS would help you to succeed (cf. Matt 26:41)๐๐ผ
Once again, I sincerely wish you a successful Apostolic work!
Remain blessed๐๐ฝ
