Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco

16th Sunday Reflection

Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34

JESUS MY world, my universe, I find solace and solitude for my soul, spirit and whole-being in you. You are the Divine Architect, Ruler of our Life, our Creator, our Savior! We submit to your will, our Good Shepherd, lead us! Amen. 

In today's reading, a warning is given to shepherds who “mislead the flock.” The qualities of a shepherd is one who should care for the sheep and gather them and unite them into one flock. Jeremiah 23:1-6. “I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD.” 

This week has been historically significant as Herstory was carved in the Sisterhood of Davao and Zamboanga. In the message of Mayor Inday, she pointed how I became her Big Sister, by caring for her every time we are together. Gracias a Dios for the blessing of Sisterhood. I realized that God is opening opportunities for me to be Ate or Big Sister, to a Mayor of a big City.

We visited the victims of the (Sulu) C-130 plane crash. There I saw how Mayor Inday was transformed to be a Big Sister by shepherding the burnt (victims) while sitting on the bed to listen attentively to them. It is this kind of care and compassion God calls us to. To listen to stories from survivors! “MILAGRO” sa GINOO for the mission they yet to fulfil! 

Jesus is our peace in the Second Reading. “In Christ Jesus, you who once were far off

have become near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace.” Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who gathers us together, unites us in His Peace! “He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father!” With the Pandemic, confusing Covid Protocols, and unending work, we are asked to put our trust in Jesus. “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while!” 

A doctor friend of mine told me the effect on mental health the Pandemic created. He also pointed how tired we must be daily attending to our people. Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us - “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. REST in JESUS to recharge from all the responsibilities.” In the ministry of Jesus, he had compassion for the flock! “When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” 

REST in JESUS from our labor and listen to what God will reveal. Recharged, we continue to be Good Shepherds of His Flock! Ps. 23 - “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD there is nothing I shall want!” (MBC)

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