From the DESK of the DIRECTOR

“ Year of the youth would give challenges to the young people to be firm in their faith as they do their work as agents of evangelization and social transformation” .

We have always heard young people say that they are leaving the workplace of their “ secular” work because they will go into “ full-time young Christians service ” . What do think this statement means?

Does it mean that being in a “ secular “ job makes me a “ half-time Christian and what it is to be nobler to be in the “ sacred ” vocation considered “ full time ”? Well, we do understand that what they are saying is that they will now change their vocation and be doing for the church in bringing Christ’s Gospel with no other considerations.

We are all in full-time young Christians in service. Anywhere God has planted you is where you should grow and take root so that, like the proverbial mustard seed that grows to be the largest plant, birds can rest on your branches. Furthermore, the essence of the human body as wonderfully illustrated in Romans 12:4-8, underscores the need for both the “ secular ” and the “ sacred ” in kingdom building.

In God’s eyes, there is no secular or sacred, after all. What He sees is what is offered to Him in truth, love and honor. This is why God is honored with the repentant prayer of the publican over the self-righteous prayer of the Pharisees (Lk 18:9-14), or the offering of the poor widow who gave all out of her poverty as compared to the rich who gave a part out of their wealth (Lk 21:1-4).

God sees the heart. Even an eloquent preacher can grieve and dishonor God if he preaches in pride. Conversely, the honesty of Christian convictions puts a smile on God’s face.

My young people, you are God’s children in and out of the four walls of the Church. Have faith in Him- showing kindness and extending love to everyone, being honest in your dealings, sharing God’s message on every occasion, living the truth, and being the child of God He wants you to be anywhere you may be.

This is the true worship of a full-time young Christians.


Rev. Fr. Jeffrey N. Balanay
MSPC-Youth Director
Diocese of Iligan