Good shepherds, now!

Someone said that it is hard to deal with egotists because they have an “I” problem, and they have an “I for an I” mindset.

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Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Based on Jesus’ description of what a good shepherd is (Jn. 10, 11-18), an egotist cannot be a good shepherd. Dealing with an egotist is hard enough. More so if the egotist is given the money, the power, and authority. Let us be careful in choosing our leaders and superiors.

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What is a good shepherd? Lays down his life for his sheep; stays with the sheep; does not work for pay; has concern for the sheep; leads the sheep toward unity; has commitment for the sheep.

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What is a bad shepherd? A hired man for the money; leaves the sheep and runs away; no concern for the sheep; scatters the sheep; no commitment for the sheep.

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All leaders—political, religious, social, financial, cultural—are shepherds who are supposed to lead and help people under them. The bottom line question to all shepherds is: Are you a good shepherd (GS)? Or a bad shepherd (BS)?

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Today is World Day Prayer for Vocations. Our God is a God who calls us (vocare) out from egoism and egotism toward love and sharing. As Jesus called Lazarus to come out from his tomb, He calls each one of us to come out from our comfort zones, from our pedestals, from our gadgets, from our rooms, and get connected with Him, with Mother Nature, and with people who are needy and suffering.

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From vanity to sanctity. Ching Daclan responded to God’s call to leave behind her self-centered life of parties, glamor, and petty high society, and go deeper into prayer and involvement with the poor and the needy. She lived a beautiful life, and died a meaningful death.

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All of us will die. But we have a choice how we live, and how we die. So what will your final life statement be? “I died rich?” “I died famous?” “I died comfortable?” That’s it? That’s all? Your choice.

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Dr. Raul Jara, Dr. Kiko Lukban, Dr. Willy Veneracion… These are just three doctors who risked and gave their lives so that others may live. We honor frontliners and health workers, good shepherds who continue to serve the sheep ravaged by COVID-19. Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay po kayo! Good shepherds!

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Yet, there are so-called shepherds out there who use this time of the pandemic to make money, and to make a name, instead of using this time to make a difference. The virus has brought out the worst in them. Bad shepherds!

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The “community pantry” is Christianity in action, humanity at its best, and the Filipino bayanihan spirit in concrete. God will raise up “new Davids” to fight the “Goliaths” in our midst. Please hold on to our firm belief that goodness triumphs over evil in the end.

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Think about this: “None of us lives as his own master, and none of us dies as his own master. While we live, we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as His servants.” (Rom. 14, 7-9)

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How is your sight? Maybe you don’t have a problem with your eyesight. Your problem is with your “I” sight. Better have your “I” checked.

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Soon it will be May! Next Saturday is May 1 already, first Saturday of the month of May, month of Mama Mary. Let us follow her and stay close to her, and she will show us the way.

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Wanted: Men and women who have been gifted and who want to share their gifts to people in a special way, as a priest, or a religious. May the Lord raise in our midst men and women who dare to make a difference.

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, please send us good shepherds, especially this time. Amen.

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