Since my priestly ordination in 2008, I have been blessed to serve two parish communities including St. Joseph, Barstow and Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga. In 2012 at the request of Bishop Barnes I went to Rome for further studies in Canon Law at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas. This past June, I returned to our Diocese where I now serve as Associate Director of Priest Personnel at the Pastoral Center in San Bernardino. Most of my family, which consists of my parents, three brothers and two sisters along with their spouses and children, live in the High Desert. I have come back to our Diocese full of energy and excitement to serve the people of God. I ask for your prayers for my new ministry as well as for my brother priests who serve in our Diocese. Please pray that all of us remain faithful and joyful in our ministries.
I find it appropriate to begin this new adventure speaking about service. The call of service is for every Christian. The call to follow and serve the Lord is an invitation to be in relationship with Jesus. Jesus doesn’t wait until we are perfect or have everything in order to make that invitation. Although it is true Jesus calls us at varying times for diverse reasons and tasks, the call itself does not wait until we believe we are desirable enough for the Lord or when we feel we are fully qualified.
Often we may think: Who me? You have the wrong person! I’m not holy enough! I’ve made too many mistakes! Certainly there is someone better! Don’t we all have excuses? Yet, Jesus doesn’t accept our excuse: “maybe you are right, sorry for the inconvenience; I will be on my way!” No, Jesus knows exactly whom He is calling! He is calling a sinner, like you and me. He calls us to get up from where we are in the midst of the sin, excuses, comfort, and fears to follow Him with joy in our hearts.
Despite our own apprehension, Jesus is faithful. Through it all He forgives us when we fall short, He encourages us when we want to turn back, and He walks with us through every twist and turn. There is no doubt in my mind that choosing to follow the Lord will change the world even if only one soul at a time. Will you respond to the call of service? Will you have the courage to overcome your sins, excuses, comforts and fears to follow the Lord? Will you live as a joyful witness? I pray your answer is YES!
Father Erik Esparza is Associate Director of Priest Personnel in the Diocese of San Bernardino.