During the Easter Season we have the privilege to see Peter, the Apostle, carrying out his mission in a powerful, unique, and courageous way. He appears leading the Eleven at Pentecost (Acts 2:14), exhorting people to repentance and inviting them to undergo the purifying power of the waters of Baptism (“Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38)), as well as testifying to the truth of the Gospel in rather dramatic interactions (“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation”(Acts 2:40)). We also see Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, denouncing sin and people’s evil deeds, and boldly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Interestingly enough, the Peter that we see in the Acts of the Apostles is comparatively different from the Peter we hear of in the Gospels. Peter, who dissuaded Jesus from the suffering of the Cross and denied Him three times, is still the man that Jesus wanted to lead and shepherd His flock. It is noteworthy that this simple man’s weaknesses were not an impediment for Jesus to have him as His instrument. His weaknesses were still the means for God to impel Peter’s vocation. Moreover, there was something in Peter’s heart that riveted the attention of Jesus. What did Jesus see in the poverty and simplicity of this fisher? [I’ll leave this interesting question for meditation]. All of this is to say that, despite our limitations, miseries, and frailties, God always remains faithful to His promises. God continues to confirm my call to serve in the sacred ministry…
When I arrived at the Diocese of Camden in 2018, I did not quite understand God’s plan. It looked like a long and difficult journey to me, especially when I transitioned into the seminary. Today, after five years, I can attest one more time to God’s faithfulness and perfect plan in my life. As I approach, with God’s grace, my Ordination to the Diaconate, the sense of unworthiness, joy, and gratitude continues to blossom in my heart as a result of such a sacred and noble vocation that God wants me to embrace.
These years of formation have been the opportunity both to realize how much I need God’s grace and how blessed I am to be a part of the Camden family. Also, a significant part of my formation has revolved around surrendering myself to God and being able to verbalize from my heart Peter’s words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of Eternal Life” (John 6:68). The more I let these words resonate in my mind and heart, the more I understand that I cannot undertake and fulfill this mission by myself, but with God’s love and grace. I express my gratitude to God for the gift of my vocation and to the faithful that continually pray for me. I ask God to help me carry out my mission with generosity, faithfulness, tender care, courage, and a growing desire to pray and grow in intimacy with the Lord. I also thank God for letting me stand in awe before the wonderful signs that confirm my vocation as a priest for the Diocese of Camden. One more time…God remains faithful to His promises!
Through the Holy Spirit, Peter underwent an inner transformation that enabled him to faithfully carry out his mission to the last day of his life. His fear was transformed into steadfast faith, his imprudent statements into wise exhortations, and his lack of understanding into a lucid vision of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, the beginning and end of his vocation. Peter’s witness of faith is a universal invitation to let Jesus ignite our hearts with his love, as we embrace our vocations as parents, sons, brothers, religious, deacons, and priests!
My ordination as a Deacon will also be the opportunity for me to rejoice in God’s goodness and faithfulness, especially as I call to mind the symbolism, beauty, and richness of the Liturgy of Ordination.
I truly look forward to sharing with all of you the joy of my ordination and God’s bountiful blessings to come in the future. I still continue to ask for your valuable prayers.
May the light of the Resurrected Christ continue to illumine and penetrate our hearts as we strive to be living instruments of the Kingdom of God.
Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz
Latest posts by Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz (see all)
- Unworthiness, Joy, and Gratitude - May 2, 2023
- Light Coming Through the Darkness - April 4, 2023
- Man’s Creation: God’s Act of Love - February 7, 2023
