THE GOOD LIFE

Leaders Bear Good News

by MEGS S. LUNN

“Building Capabilities Towards Greater Challenges for Aklan,” is the theme for this year’s 56th Aklan Day Celebration.

Last April 25, 2012, the celebration started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by no less than Bishop Cor Tala-oc, DD of the Diocese of Kalibo. His message moved and inspired those present. He shared the life of St. Mark the Evangelist.

Bishop, Tala-oc in his homily, discussed how each person, no matter how small his position in the government or status in the community can help inspire the whole community towards the development and progress of the whole society. As leaders, we are the bearers of good news, peace and forgiveness. Our paradigm should be focused on the whole picture in building our town progressively. We should not underestimate what a small position can do to make the whole department successful with their mission. We as constituents should help our leaders move forward and as leaders, to also inspire and motivate our people to do well. 

St. Mark the Evangelist is the Patron of Venice and Glaziers. You can read more details about his life in the Gospel of Mark. He was one of the servants at the Marriage at Cana who poured out the water that Jesus turned to wine.  

It was coincidental, that the celebration of Aklan Day was also the Feast Day of St. Mark who documented the life of Jesus through Peter and is all written in the Gospel of Mark. 

Bishop Tala-oc reiterated that like St. Mark, we should be witnesses to the good things of what our leaders do in the community. Leaders, like Jesus, to be effective, need to have the capacity to feel positive emotionally even when those around them are experiencing frustration and defeat.  They must not be caught off-guard by negativity and can stay on track to guide the people toward resolution. The intense feeling should not be the reason to make anyone feel too badly bruised but instead move the people to experience the feeling of a productive mindset.  

The leaders must be tough-minded and emotionally matured. Flexibility is required to know when to show genuine emotion as even a good leader gets angry and frustrated. 

I congratulate Aklanons on its 56th Founding Anniversary. I wish you more progress building our capabilities towards greater challenges ahead for the good of Aklan. Cheers!  /MP