“So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints”
– Ephesians 1:18
I started high school eight years ago as an individual who did not share his faith outwardly. I thought that my faith was meant to be kept private away from the other aspects of my life. Then, after attending my youth camp in the same year, the Lord opened my eyes to the great mission He had planned for me.
During that great adventure, I stepped away from His mission several times. I would make excuses to miss Mass or miss fellowship opportunities within the community. However, every time I came back and opened myself up to my fellow brothers and sisters, the Lord continued to show me His overwhelming joy and peace. In addition, seeing others within the community imitating Christ through their joy and service made me happy. Through these observations and revelations, I believed that the Lord was placing Himself before me and saying, “My child, will you answer the call?”
When I made responding to His plans a personal commitment, I decided to have faith in Him and live my life less for myself and more for God. Through our Lord, I came to find my sense of belonging and purpose. Serving the church through various leadership and service roles has clearly taught me how nothing else can fully satisfy us but the Lord. During my time as a discussion group leader and mentor, the fellow brothers in my group taught me to go beyond preaching how to live a Christ-like life and, instead, lead by His example.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims:
“The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it.”
– CCC 1816
Today, I continue to choose to live a more Christ-centered life. He has called me to be a creative missionary, reaching out to others through the media to share the Word. In acknowledging the call to His mission, I remain steadfast in being a steward of our faith.
“And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?”
– Romans 10:14
Will you answer the call?
Eric Ramirez – Brother Youth Communications Program Head | CFC-Youth Pacific Region
