Peter, the Leader

Peter’s leadership in the Church is being highlighted in today’s Gospel.

It was him who said, “I will go fishing” which the other disciples responded, “we will come with you.”

When the beloved disciple realized that it was the Lord upon seeing the bountiful catch, it was Peter who jumped first into the water even though he was not first to realize that it was the Lord.

When Jesus asked for fish to cook, it was Peter who dragged the net with one hundred fifty-three large fish.

All these are indicative of Peter’s leadership role in the Church and to some extent the leaders of today.

First, leaders would always be the first to say, “I will do something.” It was Peter who said I would go fishing, he took the first step, the first initiative.

He has an objective, a vision, a goal, that he needs to accomplish to respond to a need.

In the case of the disciples, the need to have something to eat.

It is also a sign of leadership when other people follow you.

Second, leaders are those who are the first to jump.

In other words, they are the first to take the risk.

We have seen true leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

There were leaders who jumped into the fray without regards for their own safety but are more concerned of the well-being of their people.

It was during those moments when leaders like Vico Sotto came to national attention because they have shown sterling efforts in addressing the pandemic while corrupt officials are hiding in their safe houses.

Worse, these corrupt officials took advantage of the pandemic to purchase overpriced medicines and PPEs among many others.

One of the “Kakampinks” political campaign claim is that the VP Leni is always at the forefront in responding to the needs of those who were afflicted by calamities.

Third, leaders do not mind getting their hands dirty.

Peter dragged the net to the shore. The early Church interpreted this act as indicative of the primacy of Peter among the disciples.

But in terms of lessons in leadership, real leaders are those who does not mind exerting a little brawn power.

I mean they are not just in their offices dealing with paper works.

Leaders are immersed in the grassroots.

In this coming election, hopefully the nation will choose a leader who have at least the same characteristics as that of Peter.