Transmitting the Good News Reflection on the Institution of Reader

By: Jaime Arriaga 

On October 17th, my brother seminarians and I were instituted into the Ministry of Reader. This ministry is received by those who wish to become deacons and eventually priests. This public and formal event communicates to the Church our intention to become priests. 

One of the most emotional moments was when each one of us was called by our name, to which we each responded present, each one in their own language. This response reminds me of the prophet Isaiah, who upon hearing the voice of God does not hesitate to cry out “here I am” (Isaiah 6:8), which is a way of saying ‘present,’ ‘I am ready.’ Just like the prophet with our present we are saying to God “send me.” 

Precisely the Ministry of Reader is a sending to preach the Word, but not before having prayed and meditated with it constantly as Bishop Alex Aclan reminded us during his homily. The bishop reminded us that when we meditate on the Scriptures, they should evoke a deeper appreciation of the Word, otherwise it will only be like letters on a page. 

This was even more significant when from the hands of the bishop we received the lectionary as he pronounced these words, “Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people.” Also, these words remind me of the commandment that Jesus gave to his Apostles to go “Into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) 

As readers we have taken part in a special office, which is to transmit the good news, especially to those who have not received it so that they too can come to know God the Father and Jesus his son and be able to obtain eternal life. 

I know I also speak for my brothers when I say that I look forward to sow the seed of the ord in people so that it bears fruit in them as it bore fruit in us. That is my goal, that is our goal; that's the goal of the Church. We entrust ourselves to your prayers so that we can continue to be true bearers of the Word and future sources of life for your souls.