“And you, who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15).
This question from Jesus still reaches our hearts today. It does not ask for a learned answer, but for a personal one. Jesus wants to know what place he has in our lives. Peter answers: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). In these words, we discover that Jesus is not simply a teacher or a figure from the past. He is the Son of God, the one who knows us, loves us and invites us to follow him.
Knowing Jesus is much more than knowing things about him. It means encountering him, listening to his Word, allowing ourselves to be looked upon by his love and discovering that his presence transforms our lives. When we truly come to know Jesus, a desire is born within us to love him and follow him. That is why his invitation remains relevant today: “Come, follow me” (Mt 19:21).
Following Jesus means learning to live as he did: to love, serve, forgive, accompany, welcome and proclaim the Gospel. It does not mean having all the answers or living a perfect life. It means trusting him and walking at his side. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). Every vocation begins with this listening. Jesus continues to call and continues to speak our name.
His voice can be heard in prayer, in his Word, in the people we meet, in the needs of our world and in that inner desire to give our lives out of love. In this Vocation Year of the Congregation, we are called to renew our capacity to listen and to help others discover that Jesus is also calling them. It is an opportunity to ask ourselves: What does Jesus want from me? What is he calling me to? Where can I give my life with greater love?
Consecrated life is a concrete path of following Jesus. He continues to call men and women to give their lives to the Gospel, to prayer, community and mission. Therefore, to those who feel a deep stirring in their hearts, we say: do not be afraid to listen. Perhaps Jesus is inviting you to follow him in consecrated life. His call remains: “Come, follow me.”
To celebrate the 170th anniversary of the foundation of the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata is to celebrate a history woven by God. Throughout these years, many sisters have listened to the voice of Jesus and responded generously, bringing the Gospel to different places through education, preaching, closeness and service. From the beginning, Saint Francis Coll’s dream was to proclaim Jesus and help people discover the love of God.
Today, we receive these 170 years as a gift and as a call to continue the mission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). To evangelize is to propose an encounter with Jesus, to help each person listen to his voice and to accompany them so that they may freely respond to his call.
Today, Jesus asks us again: “Who am I for you?” To know him, love him, follow him and proclaim him are all part of the same journey.
Perhaps Jesus is calling you today. Do not be afraid to listen. Do not be afraid to respond.
“Come, follow me.”
Are you willing to listen to his voice and follow him?
Sr. Glecy Punongbayan
Houses dependent on the Prioress General
