“WHOEVER receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41)
Time flies fast, as we always say. It will be a year on July 1 since I started my ministry at Incarnation Church.
It has been a good year for me despite the coronavirus pandemic’s challenges on our church and personal lives. It’s because my parishioners have continually supported our parish have kept their trust in God and belief in the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, the staff and the leaders of our parish and school, and my brother priests have always walked beside me as I lead the parish, offering me their assistance and insights on how to overcome our obstacles to make our church a great one.
It has not been easy since we worry about the impact of the pandemic on the economy. But with God’s grace, we continue to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ—reopening the doors of the church for the Sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and sharing our time, talents, and treasures.
Our faith in Jesus and his teachings keep us secure. It will continue to strengthen and guide us as we deal with the deep divisions in our country, especially this coming presidential election.
We commit ourselves to pray for unity, peace, justice, economic progress, and especially the end of racism and brutality in our country. We may have differences of opinions on church and political life. Still, we promise to unite ourselves for every person’s dignity and the common good in the Spirit of the Gospel.
Jesus promises his rewards to those who help carry His mission in this world. He says, “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.”
It’s how I feel towards my parishioners who have accepted me and believed in my leadership. Indeed, may they receive in abundance a prophet’s reward!
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
