September 21, 2009
fr. Jeff
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If there’s one thing people are talking, discussing and debating about these past days, it would be about choosing leaders.
Lahat pinag-uusapan kung sino kaya iboboto nila sa darating na eleksyon sa 2010.
Maraming sikat at kilalang tao at politiko ang nagpaparamdam na sa tao at nagsasabing tatakbo sila sa darating na halalan,
mapa-presidente, senador, meyor, congresista, etc.
Choosing leaders is a very demanding and crucial tasks, especially in a world where one nation’s progress or demise depends on who calls the shots, and who holds the reins of power and authority.
But, i believe, that more than just choosing the right persons for the jobs, the main question everybody should be asking is:
what kind of leaders should we have? ano’ng klaseng pinuno ba ang kailangan natin?
It’s not a question of who’s who, it’s a question of character…
And we’re not talking of popularity surveys or big advertisements, we’re talking of qualities and attitudes.
It’s quite coincidental, or maybe it’s more of a blessing, that this weekend’s liturgy (25th Week in Ordinary Time B), presents to us essential qualities we’re supposed to look for in a leader.
They might sound too idealistic or too naive, but i believe it’s better than all the stuff we get to see and hear all around us.
The main point is that leadership is not a matter being ahead of everybody else, or being “larger than life”.
True leadership entails:
- A life, not without conflicts or problems, but a life of COURAGE AND RESILIENCE. Let’s face it, we cannot please everybody, as long as we live, we’ll encounter people who think the same way as we do. Leaders who started out as charismatic candidates soon fall short of their admirers’ expectations due to their decisions and actions. There’ll be always critics and detractors. At the same time, even though leaders might have good platforms and plans, problems and crises will always happen, and they do sting a lot! Yet, a good leader should be courageous to stand up for what is true, good and just, even if public opinion won’t agree with them. A good leader should be resilient amidst trouble and problems. Just like the “Just Man” in the first reading (Wisdom 2:12, 17-20). His detractors look out and see how they could trap him and revile him, yet he keeps on going with courage and frimness of faith in God and in his people.
- A life, not led by force or violence, but a life of RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE. By being righteous, it’s not the pharisaic righteousness (being “holier than thou”, i’m a better Christian or better Filipino than the rest of the scum). It’s not also a saccahrine politeness that seeks to please and lick the boots of everybody through compromises. It means a life of true inner goodness, amidst the temptations and corruption around us. May pinagkaiba ang pagiging mabait (polite) sa pagiging mabuti (good) as a priest once told me. By peace, it’s more than just going through life without enemies or without conflicts, it’s inner peace and serenity. James tells his community (James 3:16-4:3) that many of their arguments and disagreements flow from their own inner chaos and confusion. Remember the seldom sung 2nd verse of the song “One More Gift”: “Grant me serenity within, for the confusions around are mere reflections of what’s within, what’s within me.”
- And, lastly, is not a life spent in the limelight. It’s actually a life of EMPOWERMENT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. When Jesus took the child in their midst (Mark 9:30-37), and presented him as an example of greatness, he was showing to them that there’s true potential of greatness inside the heart of the little kid, it only needs empowerment, encouragement and proper guidance from his elders. In fact, whenever we celebrate the sacrament of baptism, the role of the ninongs and ninangs is not just a social thing, it’s a sign of these guys’ social responsibility to help bring out the best in the life and potentials of the baby being baptized as he/she grows us. Remember your parents, professors, mentors and elders. Remember that, without their guidance, love, discipline and affirmation, you wouldn’t be where you are right now. We need leaders who don’t hog the spotlight with their programs and publicity, we need leaders who help people’s goodness shine out amidst the darkness of our weary world.
May ganon ba’ng leader?
Naniniwala ako’ng meron pa. Let’s not lose hope and confidence in those courageous, peace-loving and empowered men and women who stand up for what is truly Christian and truly Filipino in our country today.
Let us pray that God may enlighten our minds and hearts, not just in choosing the right leaders, but also empower us to do our part in bringing about the renewal and transformation that our country needs today.
May pag-asa pa ang Pinoy!
May pagpapala para sa Pinoy!
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N.B. Pasensya na kung maraming dagdag, ‘di ko na po naalala verbatim yung mga nabanggit ko kaya it looks lengthier from what i shared during tonight’s Eucharist.
FATHER JEFF
