OPINION: Sunday Reflection by Mayor Beng Climaco (Zamboanga City)

‘Primer Domingo de Advento’

TODAY WE lit the candle of HOPE and Healing as we were devastated by the Delta virus that caused a surge of more than 2,500 cases and deaths. We have been recovering with God's mercy and grace. Yet, a new variant Omicron or B.1.1.529 with risks of "reinfection" per WHO is now challenging nations across the globe.

We were blessed to witness shared friendships with the Special Operations Task Force and the Marines’ birthdays from the US to the Philippine Marines. In gratitude, I gifted Major Scott Holub with a beautiful handmade Parol made by Persons Deprived of Liberty in the City Jail. This lantern symbolizes the Light of Jesus, our hope in life. Na luz del Parol di aton esperanza con Dios Emmanuel entra na di aton maga casa, na familia, na vida y na di aton corazon. 

I recall with gratitude the opportunity to find my voice with my High School education in the US because our Mommy sought the best for us under our two Titas who called me last Sunday on Viber.

So much gratitude to God at 14 years old and the blessings of US State Department Scholarships. The latest was the IVLP with Mayor Inday Sara, Mike Saavedra, Gen. Yecla and Team. Together with Dr. Anton Lim, Chris Kingco, Eng. Don Loong and Atty. Laisa Masuhud, we were featured recently. 

Indeed, God's boundless opportunity to learn from the US and work harder to implement in the Philippines. After the celebration, I visited Our Lady of Fatima chapel. The advent wreath is prepared and the colors of Christmas are just around. I was thankful yet I was fearful because of the impending threat of another Covid surge. No sabe mas que manera actua no hay "masks". Bien otro el mundo. Any time we will be infected with Covid just by removing our face masks, eating and enjoying each other's presence. I was sad for the children who should enjoy Christmas with the family and play in the parks. 

We have the beautiful Christmas Winter Wonderland in the City Hall to honor the Holy Family. As the darkness covered the chapel , the colorful flowers surrounded the ceiling, I prayed to Mary, our Mother, for our families. We have limited our joyful celebrations because of Covid, which brings the family together. 

I remember it was around October of 2003, I saw the first Parol lit in Camp Enrile in Malagutay after my meeting with Gen. TP Salazar. Now, I am Mrs. Salazar, worried for my husband who went home to his beloved Indang to spend the cold night in the Bukid. Bien miedo as my Dad and his died at 73. 

The Gospel: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

We do not get drunk with temporary pleasures neither should we be worried and anxious, but be vigilant and pray for God's presence. God is more powerful than the Covid Virus. I need to grow in faith and allow Jesus to take command of life. With worries and fears of failure my migraine attacks due to lack of sleep. 

And so in this first Sunday of Advent, what might my disposition be for Jesus? I am led to Love.

1 Thes 3:12—4:2

Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love

for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God and as you are conducting yourselves you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. (MBC)