WORD ALIVE
One time I was talking to a barangay chairman. I asked him why he keeps on running for the top barangay position.
His reply was: “I want people to have a high regard for me and my family. I want people to recognize me and make ‘mano.’ In public”
This is just the opposite of what Jesus said strongly to his apostles. “If anyone wants to be first, he should be the last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9, 13).
Some people think of greatness in terms of titles and high positions, or outstanding achievements worthy of appreciation.
That’s alright if they are truly deserving. But they should not boast or brag about their accomplishment.
* * *
As the Proverb said: “Pride goes before the fall!” In the book of Sirach, the prophet exhorted, “Conduct your affairs with humility…The greater you are, the more humble you should be and you will find favor with God.”
Aside from doing service, what’s important is that people in authority like public servants, religious leaders, employers, parents, and teachers should lead by good example. For instance, public servants should exemplify honesty, justice, and transparency. How can they expect their constituents to be honest, just, or obey the laws if they themselves are dishonest and law-breakers?
Or, how can parents and teachers teach honesty and moral conduct to their children and students if they are prone to lying, unfaithful, and are engaged in drinking, gambling, and other vices?
As the saying goes, “I don’t hear what you are teaching because I cannot see it in your action.”
There are parents who are really charitable and exemplary. Let me quote an inspiring email letter I received from a couple. It was in response to my appeal for help in my Manila Bulletin column for some poor patients. The couple responded, saying: “My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.”
“In these hard times, we decided not to celebrate it lavishly. We went to church and asked a priest for blessing. We decided that we will just give the money to the needy.
They added: “I hope that our children and friends will follow our good example.”
“The greatest among you must be your servant.” (Mt 23,11). Leaders, whether religious, political, or authorities, should emulate the humble servant leadership of Jesus himself.
* * *
Laugh one another. St. Philip Neri once said: “Human pride is the hardest to die. It dies 10 minutes after one is dead.”
A man wrote a letter to the BIR: “I have been unable to sleep knowing that I cheated on my taxes. I have enclosed a cheque for ₱10,000. If I still can’t sleep, I’ll pay the rest.”
* * *
Appeal. Some seminarians cannot continue their schooling due to financial difficulty. This can happen if we do not support them. Without seminarians we cannot have priests, missionaries, and bishops.
You may donate an amount or sponsor a seminarian’s schooling good for one school year. Thank you. ([email protected])