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Last September 2, 1999, Raymund Gerard S. Samson made his lifelong promise to "live single for the Lord" in the Servants of the Word. His commitment is cause for tremendous joy among us. Here are some of Mon's thoughts about that important decision. "I promise never to marry..." For most people, that's the most important component of a promise to live the celibate life; a negative thing, not to marry. But for me, what's even more important are these words I spoke at my lifelong commitment: "I Mon Samson, wish to consecrate my life to knowing and loving the Lord as fully as possible, to offer my life to Him as fully possible for the service He gives me, and to belong to the Servants of the Word." Some people might wonder: Why not be a priest or get married instead? My answer is I believe this is God's personal call for me. Not all men are called to this life, of course, (or else we'll slowly disappear from the face of this earth!) but some are given the privilege to choose it. I realize that it's more that a privilege, it's actually a gift. BEGINNINGS After college, I worked as an engineer for a telecommunication company. I asked the Lord for this job and He gave it to me. I remember asking for an 8-5 job, Mondays to Fridays only, and no overtime, so I could still serve Him in some way. I even gave God a specific date when I would like to begin working. He granted me everything I asked for, and more; I had a very good salary, and I travelled a few times outside the country. I really enjoyed my work, but after two years, I felt I wanted to do something for the Lord. After much prayer and counsel, I resigned from my job and joined the Servants of the Word. LIFE IN THE BROTHERHOOD In 1991 I began to live in the brotherhood house in Scout Tobias. There was no major adjustment living with so many brothers, maybe because I come from a big family (nine kids!). The only difficulty I had was sleeping on the floor. But after two weeks, the floor felt a lot softer! Today I find it difficult to sleep on a bed! In my first four years in the Servants of the Word, I prayed a lot, objectively weighing the pros and cons, and discerning whether this was really the life for me. Each Lent I would spend 10 days to especially seek the Lord about His desire for my life. Every time I would do this, God would speak to my heart, addressing my various concerns and fears. And now, I have finally taken the step of consecrating and offering my life "as fully as possible" to the Lord. It is a decision I made with deep humility, tremendous faith, and profound love for Him who is worth my all. I know I can't see everything ahead of me. But God has given me assurance of His faithfulness, enough for me to exercise my faith and to decide for Him. I do this with confidence also because I know I can count on the support of my brothers in the Servants of the Word. I would like to express my gratitude to God for accepting my commitment. And I ask you to pray for me, that I may be steadfast in my promise, and that I may love and serve with joy the people who belong to Him. (Reprint from Servant Update September 1999 issue) Speak your mind! Sign our guestbook! or Post a message on our Message Board
Christ's Youth in Action (CYA) is a Catholic movement
of young Filipinos dedicated to evangelizing the youth and training
leaders for the service of the Church. We serve colleges, universities,
parishes and renewal groups in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific
region.
Christ's
Youth in Action Foundation
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