Listen to His call

(Excerpt from the homily of Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao during the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and his 25th Episcopal Anniversary on August 6, 2022, San Pedro Cathedral Parish, San Pedro Street, Davao City)

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, aside from today’s beautiful Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, today I also celebrate my silver anniversary as a bishop. In this morning, I was surprised when I saw my tarpaulin outside because I am not comfortable with a big and special celebration. What is more important is to celebrate my anniversary with the Holy Mass, simple yet meaningful.

1976 April 6, I was ordained as a priest by Bishop Joseph Regan in the small town particularly called Bato-bato. 21 yrs after as a priest, August 6, 1997, I was ordained as a bishop in the old Cathedral of Tagum. When I was ordained bishop in Tagum, It was Archbishop Capalla who gave the homily, together with him are those who ordained me as Bishop were the Papal Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni, Archbishop Smith of Cotabato, and Archbishop Mabutas as one of the ordaining prelates. When I was named as bishop, I was not in Tagum, I was working here in Davao at the Regional Major Seminary in Catalunan Grade or what we call REMASE. The Public announcement by then Pope John Paul II was made on June 24, and I remember that it was religious night at the Cathedral of Davao. (gathering of religious people). I know that these things are God’s design that I was assigned in Davao at that time. I was assigned as bishop of Kidapawan for 10 years during the time of Pope Benedict XVI. After 10 years I was moved to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga for 5 years. It was still Pope Benedict on 2012 who announced that I was moved to the Archdiocese of Davao.

One little thing that made me smile this morning past 9am is when I received a letter coming from the Holy Father with his own message and signature. Because, sometimes the letter was sent to me for my past assignments were done by the Holy Father but signed by Cardinal Parolin. Karon lipay kaayo ko kay nakadumdom ang Santo Papa. I said in the beginning, what can be the message for me and for us when I celebrate my 25th anniversary today with particular meaning as a bishop in me and also the bigger one the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord? First reflection, for me it is a mystery that somehow in life in different ways that we get the experience that the Lord calls us where we go with Him to a place and situation. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asked Peter, John, and James, “let us go to the mountain” and they saw Jesus transfigured. Extraordinary moment that they were close to the Lord, they witnessed an unusual experience with the Lord.

James, Peter, and John in the Gospel saw Moses and Elijah, though they died a long time ago but they saw Jesus talking to the two. Today, I encourage all of you to look back and see towering figures like Moses and Elijah. In times of difficulties it is good for us to look back with the assurance of good people. With our down moments in life, there are still people who encourage us to continue. Sometimes I fall asleep even how wonderful all the reminders. Many times we felt sleepy, weak, and not interested, same with Peter, James, and John that they felt sleepy when the Lord was being transfigured. Sometimes we are so ambitious to do good things in life but we cannot do it alone. I remind you not to listen to our ambitions in life but listen to God’s voice who calls. I want you to grow and to be transfigured like Jesus. In the end we should always keep our ears active with the assuring words of the Gospel. The only thing that we need to do is to listen to the word of the Lord our Saviour.