For almost four years of being a seminarian, I already experienced being a preacher in one way or the other. Usually during vacation time, my family and my friends ask me to give them advices. I also experienced teaching catechism to the young people and I found it very challenging. Often times, I am preaching the word of God. I always tell them to do good things to other people, to love one another and to forgive others. But sometimes I found it difficult because I fail to do what I’m teaching to them. I am the first one who does not do what I preach. It is awkward to share the message of the word of God to others if I, myself am not doing the invitation of the word of God. I found it difficult to convince other people to do good things to others if I, myself am not doing good things. I must be the first follower of my teachings so that I have something to share to others. Jesus Christ is a good example of a good preacher. When Jesus preached, it was always accompanied by his actions. He preached with self-confidence and as one having authority. It is because he was convinced of what he is saying. He is not afraid to speak about the truth and to proclaim the good news because he had personal conviction. The people must see from me the fruits of my teachings. I must become a model for them in order for them to believe on what I am saying. I must show them that I can handle my own problems and difficulties so that they can listen to my advices. I need to convince myself on what I am saying so that I can convince other people, too. Other people must see from me that I’m putting into practice what I am teaching to them.
The same thing happens in the seminary. As a higher year, it is hard to correct lower years if I cannot correct myself first. It is hard to tell them not to do those that are bad if I myself failed to avoid doing those. It is difficult to tell my companions to clean properly if I myself do not know how to clean properly. It is hard to tell them to keep quiet if I myself am noisy. Indeed I need to become a good model for them so that it would be easy for me to correct them. I need to show to them that I am doing the right thing so that they can imitate me. As what Jesus said “take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Indeed, if really want to become a good leader I must become a good follower. Sooner or later I will become a leader, when that time come, I need to bear in my mind that my words should always accompanied by my own actions. Jesus is inviting me to put into practice what I am teachings. I must first become a good follower before becoming a good leader.
