Speaking before an assembly of roughly twenty thousand people inside the huge amphitheatre of the Araneta Coliseum today, Imus bishop Luis Antonio Tagle said the state of our nation today presents a challenge to us whom we call ourselves apostles.
He said the example of St. Paul’s life dare us to practice the qualities that embody what a true apostle is all about.
Tagle, one of the speakers in today’s celebration of the Pauline year at the Araneta Coliseum said a person can only be considered a true apostle if he or she has the revelation of Jesus Christ, cares for the Church and suffers for the Church.
Citing the three points as true marks of an apostle, Tagle said Paul was able to preach Jesus only because he has experienced the revelation of Jesus himself.
He said the same revelation, the presence of Jesus, should also be seen in the life of Christians.
The bishop also cited how the Apostle collected money to support the early Christian communities he founded even as he was accused of using the money for himself.
As his various letters would attest, Paul had suffered all kinds of harm because of his concern for the churches he founded, said Tagle.
A true apostle does not only suffer for oneself but more for others, for the Church, he said.
Peppered with anecdotes drawn from his own experience first as a priest, then as a bishop, Tagle electrified the audience of religious, lay leaders and students with his rhetoric.
He urged the crowd to develop a sense of transcendence and turn to God in times of difficulties and called on everyone to perform their mission in life in the best way they can.
No comments:
Post a Comment