Spiritual Corner -- Sanctify Oneself Sanctify Others

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Peace be with you!

At the approach of the summer vacation, I would like to share with you two oracles which I am very fond of:

1. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I Love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John: 15-17)
2. The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw Him, they worshipped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 16-20)

From these two oracles, we see that the Church (parish) has double missions. “Feed the lambs” and “Make disciples of all nations” are equally important. At the time I received Theology training, the professor always insisted that both are indispensable. As shepherds, we should always have theological reflections and should also be able to discern the signs of the times in order to plan and modify the modes of evangelization. In other words, internally, the evangelical mission is to “sanctify oneself” and externally, the evangelical
mission is to “sanctify others”.

The above two dimensions do not only exist within religious communities and institutions, but should also be reflected and witnessed in the daily life of every Christian. Thus, I would like to wish everyone, during this summer vacation, no matter where you are, who you meet, will be able to live out the missions of “sanctify oneself” and “sanctify others”.

Wishing you all a delightful summer holiday! We will meet again in September!

Your Pastor,
Fr. Francis Chong