By Fr. Ji Kwangkyu, SSC

I grew up in a family that didn’t practice religion. When I was young, I thought there was no God. I am not proud to admit it, but I used to say negative things about religion because I was filled with anger. However, I stand before you now as a missionary priest dedicated to spreading the word of God.

One day, when I was young, one of my best friends asked me, “Would you like to go to Church with me?” I had no idea what a “church” was, but I said “yes” because I knew him to be a good man, kind and full of integrity. The first time I attended mass, I did not understand what was being said. I also did not like that the commentator kept asking us to be seated or to rise. I wanted to be seated until the end of the mass. Another time, my friend asked me, “Do you want to be baptized?” Again, I had no idea what being baptized meant, or what catechism was. But I was baptized when I was 15. 

I think God led me into His path little by little.  

I don’t know why I did not say no. For some reason, I just followed Him and I am sure that God called me through my friend. 

In today’s gospel (August 5, 2024), Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, and saw the vast crowd. His heart was moved with pity for them. He was with His beloved people  and didn’t conceal His feelings. However, He wasn’t led astray by a mere sentiment. Instead, He cured the sick and performed miracles. 

I still remember what Pope Francis said when he visited Manila. He met two children, who used to live on the streets, in Luneta Park. One of them asked the Pope, “Many children are abandoned by their parents. Many children are into prostitution. Why does God allow such things to happen?” I remember Pope Francis answered, “Only when we too can cry about the things that you said, are we able to come close to replying to that question.”

During my formation to become a Columban priest, I met many good formators. They taught me not to ignore my feelings or to be enslaved by them. They advised me to “Feel it. Reflect on it. Listen to what God is trying to say to you. You can find answers when you are with God and God’s people in your area.”  It is not easy to do this. In fact, sometimes we are tempted not to look into our feelings. However, I believe we need to do that. I believe that God is always wanting to tell us something through our feelings. And so I say, “Feel it, reflect on it, and be with God.”

Fr. Ji Kwangkyu is currently assigned in the Philippines as Vice-Rector of the International Formation Program. 

Father Kwangkyu at Malate Church where he once served.