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

WE REJOICE in the Trinity as the Holy Spirit is sent unto us! This was a sought after Feast, a great feast, especially in the Charismatic Movement. The reception of the Holy Spirit brought boldness and courage to give testimony to God's loving providence and mercy in the struggles and successes of life.

Last week, we began the day with the priest rejoicing at a Dental Clinic blessing on the birthday of the Church's ministry. A comparison of Dr. Ella Falcasantos’ start of her work as dentist. God's grace has been a constant guide in all our trials in life. 

We go to the Holy Spirit to infuse us with wisdom to think, speak and act in all our undertakings. Looking back at my life from 18 when my brother and I acknowledged the Holy Spirit through a baptism, commitment and renewal, we surrendered to God our struggle with our mother who battled cancer. I testify to the work of the Holy Spirit, the source of wisdom who gave me my voice, shy as I was, fearful and a late bloomer. 

May we recognize the Holy Spirit who showers God's enlightenment on us, in all we do.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.” It is God's love that has guided me. As I end my term as Mayor in the City, I am made aware of love that is the source that moves us to act. After Mass, Fr. Moga asked: “So Beng, what will you do now?” By God's grace I hung on to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. I welcome this REBOOT in life and surrender my life constantly to the Lord. With it, I offer my pains to Jesus. What’s it like? I feel like entering into a dark casket like an MRI and Mamogram combined, pressing in heavily on my chest. All is a suffocating darkness. I awake during Easter with the Angelus, Queen of Heaven Rejoice! A most difficult Easter 2022 in my life. I hung on to Mary our Mother who cradles me with Jesus in the Pieta. 

Amediante de todo el palabra de Dios ay sustene canaton. “Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”