HOMILY | Cebu Clergy Monthly Recollection

“From Burnout to Zeal: Rekindling the Sacred Fire Within”

Readings: Acts 7:51—8:1 & John 6:30–35

In the first reading, we hear the powerful witness of Stephen. He speaks with courage. He proclaims the truth. And yet, he is rejected. He is opposed. He is persecuted. And eventually, he is killed.

And what is striking is this: Stephen was not only strong—he was on fire. Even in the face of rejection, his heart remained alive in God. Even in suffering, he did not lose his zeal.

How beautiful it would be if all of us were like Stephen, remaining zealous even in the midst of persecution and suffering.

Stephen experienced what many of us experience: doing what is right… and still being misunderstood. So if you feel that sometimes—congratulations… you are in good company.

Yet, we need to be careful because sometimes burnout comes not only from work—but from wounds. When our efforts are not appreciated. When we are misunderstood. When we try to do good, and yet we are criticized. When we give ourselves, but receive little in return. These things slowly drain us.

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Now in the Gospel, the people ask Jesus: “What sign can you give?” After all the miracles—still not enough. Sounds familiar?

No matter what we do: We improve the parish—kulang gihapon. We organize activities—naay reklamo gihapon. We preach clearly—naa gihapon moingon, “Father, taas ra kaayo”

And slowly we feel: “Lord… unsaon man nako pag-please ni sila?”

Then Jesus gives a very surprising answer: Not a new miracle. Not a new program.

He says: “I am the Bread of Life.” In other words: “I am enough—even if everything else is not.”

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My dear brothers, let me say this gently, but in all honesty. We are very good at distributing Communion, but sometimes we forget to “receive Communion” ourselves. We give Jesus, but we are running low on Jesus. We preach about prayer, but our own prayer is so little.

And then we wonder why we are tired. Of course we are tired—because we are giving what we have not received!

Here is the key: Burnout happens when we are serving without being nourished. We distribute the Bread of Life every day, but sometimes, we ourselves are no longer feeding on Him.

And when that happens, zeal slowly disappears.

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So how do we move—from burnout to zeal? Let me offer three very concrete invitations.

1. Return to the Source

Jesus did not say, “Do more.” He said, “Come to me.”

Before we are priests, we are disciples.

Before we give, we must receive.

Let us return to the Lord—not only in ministry, but in personal prayer.

Not only preparing homilies… but listening. Not only speaking about God… but being with Him. Because the fire of priesthood does not come from activity—it comes from encounter.

2. Bring Your Wounds to the Lord

Stephen did not hide his suffering. But he entrusted everything to God.

Burnout often comes from unhealed wounds. We carry frustrations… disappointments… even hidden hurts.

My dear brothers, we do not need to pretend before God.

We can say: “Lord, I am tired.” “Lord, I am hurt.” “Lord, I feel empty.”

And that honesty becomes the beginning of healing. Because the Lord does not only send us. He also restores us.

3. Rekindle the Meaning of Our Priesthood

Why did we become priests? Not for comfort. Not for recognition. But because we encountered Christ. And that encounter once set us on fire.

Perhaps today, the Lord is inviting us not to do something new, but to remember. Remember your calling. Remember your first love. Remember the joy of saying “yes.” Because zeal is not something we manufacture. It is something we rediscover.

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My dear brother priests, let me tell you something from the heart: The people do not need perfect priests. They need priests who are real, prayerful, and joyful.

Even if you are tired—but still smiling, still loving, still believing—you are already a blessing.

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So as we end this recollection, let us pray simply: “Lord, I am tired…but I am still Yours.”

Recharge me. Refresh me. Reset me. And please… update my system.”

And when you return to your parishes: You may still have the same problems. The same people. The same schedule.

But hopefully—a different heart. A lighter heart. A joyful heart. A burning heart.

From burnout to zeal. And from low battery to fully charged.