Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco

 14th Sunday

Ezra 2:2-5; Psalm 123:1-2, 2, 3-4 2; Corinthians 12:7-10 and Mark 6:1-6

SIR ANDITO na po kayo sa Zamboanga! Welcome po! The soldier heard me and gave me the snappiest salute in acknowledgment. He was among the victims of the C-130 transport plane that crashed in Sulu. Responding to the request, we were there to assist the wounded. The aircraft landed as rain poured, and patients brought in the ambulance suffered burns and some walking barefoot. The responders where quick to give needed assistance. 

Fr. Arnel Ong, S.J., asked: “What we would do or react to people who bashed us?” The sense of “negativity and cynicism” (p. 258 “Sacred Space”) is what prevails because of Pandemic lockdowns. I am no stranger to discontent, viral attacks, bashing and bullying, and fake news. I get affected, true but I am numbed by the pain inflicted that I no longer know whether to react in anger or keep quiet in passivity. I hang on to beg God's mercy. We hang-on in FAITH for God's love. 

With the newest Executive Order on Social Gathering the angry mob strikes viciously. We sought to dialogue, listen and collectively respond for the greater safety especially because of Covid-19. However despite reaching-out there are those who are cynical and negative. Dissatisfied, disappointed. But Jesus in the Gospel was met with similar reactions. “And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “a prophet is not without honor, except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. 

In Verse 7, Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Jesus was met with doubt, his “kababayans” had little faith in him. But Jesus, after feeling astonished, did not brood over the “rejection” but he continued doing God's mission for him. 

Despite of people's disappointment which we try to temper, I continue working. I just pray that circumstance in life will be important lessons to learn and improve one’s attitude, outlook and disposition. By God’s grace alone we persevere. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 

I look at Jesus who was sinless and bore our sins by suffering insults, taunting, torture and crucifixion. Who are we to feel privileged? We are sinful and finite, and because of these we bear our crosses asking Jesus to help us carry the cross daily. 

Finally, we end with this beautiful verse from the second reading. "Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong!” (MBC)

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