Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco

 Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:8-12, Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

1 John 3:1-2, John 10:11-18 

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

IN THE Philippines, it is not common to see sheep. When I was a high school teacher, I remember bringing my three white puppies to act as sheep for the Christmas presentation of the Holy Family. In 2000 Jubilee Pilgrimage, I was blessed by God to join our CLC group fulfilling my Father's wishes who died that same year. In a remote place in Italy, I would notice the flock of sheep grazing in the hillside. 

Around 6 years ago, after my talk to a group of Zamboangueños, Mr. Nonito Bernardo, the ever generous and an epitome of a Zamboangueño, gave me a female sheep whom we named Aiora. Years later, he gifted me another male sheep and I gave it to my cousin to care for. 

A wonderful coincidence as today we reflect on Laudato Si, Pope Francis' encyclical on care of our common home. The Celebration of Mother Earth. Like Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are stewards of God's creation. We have a responsibility to care for our environment and not to abuse it. 

The pandemic has brought destruction of lives and we must do our share to help. Lately too, we see so much negativity, destroying others instead of building, pollutants of the air as the virus that chokes the breath, there is also an intensity of pollution even in social media since it’s very easy to rant and rave.

I am tempted to respond in pain, but I reflect on Jesus. “He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone!” Rejection that has led to our salvation. Cosa man si ya puede man balus kay ya destrosa y deshonra? Este ba victoria? Este ba señal de fuerza? I am too weak to retaliate, but I listen in respect.

In the Easter celebration, we see a testament of God’s humiliation that has led to our salvation. Literally my migraine clouds my spirit to fight back. But it is also God’s way of telling me: “I am the Good Shepherd, I will take care of you!” I surrender all to God.

As our Covid positive cases now are over 1,000, we continue to work harder to help “Heal the Sick and Feed the Hungry” with God's grace. I communicated with the chairpersons of top barangays with Covid cases and rolled out our CSWDO food packs to assist families on lockdown. We make sure to extend help and use resources to aid our barangays. 

Tetuan Barangay Captain Walmart Atilano was hopeful that there would be recoveries. And Santa Maria Barangay Captain Los Eli Angeles was thankful for the food packs. A single mother who questioned her existence after being positive with Covid had us ensure to take care of her children left by themselves as she went on isolation. She sent a text the other day, telling me she was going home! Gracias a Dios! 

I cannot please everyone. I know God has called me to serve Him in the mission and do His will. God will fight my battles. Fr. Jude Duncombe tells me, “Jesus is your lawyer”. 

Yesterday in Garnette's word was a sign of Hope! Heaven opening up possibilities! Dr. Joshua Brillantes and DOH team with Dr. DulceMiravite, Eng. Chris Navarro, and Dr. Elmeir Apolinario had an ocular inspection for a possible isolation facility. A spacious distant place of healing we are called to prepare. Very timely! As I walked the vast spaces, I am mindful that I too might be a patient in this isolation facility since I am not vaccinated like Dr. Brilliantes. 

If there is a lesson I want to impart, it is the Ignatian teaching. Finding God in the ordinary. What is God telling me in the events of life? As we left the place hopeful, I received another good news this time from DOLE Dir. Roy Buenafe making available Contact Tracers in partnership with DILG and DOH. Miracles do happen. This is God's Community / City Pantry of Resources shared to help our Beloved Zamboanga City. Amediante de Pandemia y monton de problema, el Dios nuestro Salvador junto con La Virgen Maria y San Jose ta esta presente na di aton vida. Following the Good Shepherd, may we genuinely commit to care for each other and our world! (MBC)

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