“After taking my simple perpetual vows last Saturday, April 27, 2024, I embarked on a journey towards a new phase of life as a Jesuit scholastic within the Juniorate Program, embracing the community that God has destined for me. It marks a transition, inviting me to adapt and flourish in this fresh chapter of my vocation.”
I had the privilege of participating in the Regional Assembly of the Society of Jesus from May 9th to 11th, 2024. During this gathering, we evaluated the previous Apostolic Plan spanning from 2019 to 2023, taking into account the engagement of Jesuits with lay partners and collaborators across various Apostolic Ministries. Together, we shared the insights gained from prayerful reflection, culminating in the development of a new Apostolic Plan for the period of 2024 to 2029.
It marked a humble beginning for me as I embarked on the journey to gain a broader understanding of the mission of the Society of Jesus in the East Timor region. As I participated in the Assembly, I approached it with an attitude of openness. I prayed for the grace to be completely open to hearing, seeing, and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, so that I could grasp a deeper understanding of God’s mission entrusted to the Society of Jesus. I also sought to allow myself the freedom to share whatever the Spirit prompted me to share. In essence, it was a time for me to listen more attentively, to learn more profoundly, and to love more deeply the mission of God.
I witnessed the diversity within the Assembly, which encompassed Jesuits alongside lay partners and collaborators in God’s mission. Yet, amidst this diversity, there prevailed a sense of unity among all participants, driven by their shared desire for MAG+S and a profound engagement with the mission centered on God. Essentially, it was the Holy Spirit who led and guided the participants towards a greater involvement in God’s mission, as evidenced by the fruits of their prayers and reflections, as mentioned later on. The Spirit undeniably stirred each participant to delve deeper into the needs and challenges of the mission.
Upon reflecting on the entire experience, I was deeply moved by the spirit of collaboration evident among both Jesuits and lay partners and collaborators. I witnessed their selfless dedication to the mission of God in Timor-Leste. Moreover, everyone displayed a profound awareness and understanding of the events unfolding both in the country and in the wider world, recognizing the mission of the universal church and its manifestation in Timor-Leste. This spirit of collaboration effectively steered all participants towards a unified direction aligned with God’s desires for the region’s mission.
During our reflections on Luke 20:2, a particular passage resonated deeply with me: “And He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” This verse served as a poignant call for me to wholeheartedly commit myself to the Lord’s mission through collaboration and prayer, recognizing them as the foundational elements that connect me to the One who both created and called me.
In the Assembly, I deeply perceived that “it is Christ who brings us together and sends us out for the mission of His father.” This understanding was further underscored as an invitation for all of us to embrace a Synodal church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. The Lord’s invitation into His mission resonated profoundly; we recognize ourselves solely as His instruments laboring in His vineyard.
In conclusion, echoing the words of Father Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, on the World Day of Social Justice, “Let us all unite in building a future full of hope.” This message from Father General serves as a call to action, urging us to contribute to making our world a better and more hopeful place. As we move forward after the Assembly, I envision the future with optimism because it is ultimately the mission of the Lord, not merely the efforts of humanity. Despite the numerous challenges and struggles we may encounter, we trust that the Lord, who calls each of us, will surely grant us the grace we need. In our moments of both struggle and joy, Jesus remains with us.
On a personal and spiritual level, I have come to a deeper awareness and understanding that I am not alone in this mission; there are always companions sent by Jesus Himself to journey with me. My aspirations for Timor-Leste and its people are rooted in surrendering everything to Jesus, while seeking the care and intercession of Mary, our Mother, and St. Ignatius of Loyola.
By: Sch. Efrizidio Amon, SJ