St Francis preached the Gospel to all creatures, calling them his sisters and brothers. His deep communion and love teach us how all Christians should relate to one another. His life was a perfect example of following the poor and humble Jesus. Many people have asked me how I feel about being ordained. In truth, I don’t feel much other than gratitude because this is not something I have earned through my efforts or human merit. This office was conferred on me as a sending to a new service. Nevertheless, “for a Church that lives the spirit of the synod,” I find myself thinking about the meaning of this assignment.
Since childhood, I’ve been curious and eager to learn many new things, but if there’s one thing I’ve been hesitant to learn, it’s how to relate to people. I struggle when it comes to relationships. I rarely go out of my way to meet people. This is partly due to the confusion of not knowing how to deal with people and partly due to the fear of hurting people through my mistakes or immaturity. So I naturally become hesitant to meet people, and the more I do, the more my relational maturity stays the same.
But it is through interaction with others that we encounter Jesus and feel his presence. Much like how God instructed St Ignatius, I often think God is teaching me like a teacher. This ministry, too, has been given to me to learn something new. My Jesuit life has taught me to understand better the One who leads me in faith, learning, and practice with people. In particular, I feel that God has invited me to meet more people through fulfilling this task so that I can learn more.
Among many lessons, the most important is love. When I received the blessing from Bishop Michael C Barber SJ, my senior brother, I felt the warmth of his eyes and his trust in me, especially as he called me his son and brother. It was a sign of the presence of Jesus, who calls me and gives me his all only because of his love despite all my weaknesses and unfaithfulness. The sense that the Church entrusts us with a mission despite our human flaws is contained in the prayer when the book of Gospels is handed to us, as explained by the Provincial. The Church asks us to practice what we have learned and taught, not to teach what we have practiced.
Therefore, we can proclaim the Gospel not because of ourselves but because we believe in God’s goodness toward us. And in that faith, we walk this pilgrimage together, trusting each other and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel brings true joy and hope to all people and creation when all members of the Church joyfully serve according to their unique duties and callings. Therefore, the Church sends us out and proclaims again: “Believe what you read; Teach what you believe; Practice what you teach.”
Hongcheol Augustine Jeong SJ from Korea was one of nine Jesuits ordained to the diaconate at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland on 21 October by Most Rev Michael C Barber SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland.