THE GOOD LIFE

THE ESSENCE OF TRUE LEADERSHIP

by Megs S. Lunn

Chrism mass is the renewal of priestly vows and the blessing of oils during Holy Thursday of each year in the observance of Lent Season. Bishop calls for our priests to participate in having vibrant and mature disposition in helping the community develop their faith and trust in God and the church. Like Jesus, priests should also become like Him, a servant leader. He also mentioned the example of the simplicity of Pope Francis. 

Bishop Corazon Tala-oc, DD, Bishop of Kalibo in his homily during the Chrism Mass, cries for justice for Dexter’s death, the Aeta leader who got killed in Boracay Island three years ago because of greediness, fame and power. They considered the presence of Aeta community as a threat and are damaging the tourism industry in the island. The rich claimants continue to occupy the land. Do they think that the killing of Dexter will give them peace? The scripture says, “Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11

Bishop Cor also encourages each one to aim for servant leadership especially by our government leaders and the challenge to participate in the concern of the society. He said, “We have to pray for the grace of spirit to be worthy of that trust of God. It is imperative that those who aspire for leadership should be true servant of God.”

It is only the greediness of political leaders that they keep on wanting more power. To stay in their position, they think means more power and fame. “The essence of true leadership is being a servant leader. We can serve God by serving others with love,” Bishop added.

As the priest from Jerusalem, Fr. Dan Moore, SJ (Jesuit) reminded us during the Holy Thursday homily in Jerusalem where the re-enactment of the washing of the feet is solemnly done, “Wash one another’s feet. Make your lives a total emptying of self and a gift to one another, a gift to your world, a gift above all to your loving and compassionate God.”

The scripture says, “Whoever would be great among you, must serve the others, and whoever would be first among you, must be slave of all. The son has come not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mathew 21:28

“In this act of humble service Jesus is also expressing the truth of our human condition,” as Fr. Dan Moore explained. “Our humanity is bound for service. What that service is all about is up to each of us to discern,” he added. There is so much to learn from this scene. 

We can’t boast to others that we are a true leader, for indeed, without God’s work and plan for us, we will not become one. Therefore it is a humbling experience when you are a leader, and when you let God’s plan work in you. 

Some investors who wanted to do business in the province would push gambling. However, it is impossible to agree when you are supposed to teach the community and the future young leaders to be good citizen of the community and the church. Gambling is not the answer to our ailing society. 

“True and servant leadership is the answer. A true leader should make sense in the eyes of the young people.” the Bishop reiterated. 

Happy Easter to our readers! /MP