Shepherds

I read an article somewhere, which I regretted because I did not take note of the source, that "shepherds should not only smell like the sheep but should also be ready to defend the flock." Or something like that.

A cliche which is often repeated ad nauseam.

This article claimed that this "smelling like the sheep" is acquired through immersion, listening to the people, being accessible to the people and being present with them.

However, it is also interesting that this article asserted that being a shepherd also involves actively fighting the wolves who are trying to steal the flock.

Personally, I find that article an eye opener. I agree with the author that tending the sheep is not only about bringing them to pasture but making sure that they are in the sheepfold, safe from wolves.

***

I wonder how many people are transferring to other religions or denominations?

I am saddened every time I hear about a Catholic who renounces his/her faith by joining so-called "non denominational" churches.

Jesus said the "no one can take them out of my hand." While this verse is theologically complex. However, it is clear that Jesus as the Good Shepherd will not lose even a single sheep.

How many people transferred to other churches/communities or lost their faith under our watch?

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"Switching" has become trendy during the election campaign period.

Before it is called being "balimbing," but now it is called by a more trendy name "switch."

I saw in FB examples like "Switch to Leni" "I'm switching to BBM" or "Switch na tayo kay Isko." There are many other versions of this "switching."

Some possible reasons for the "switching" is that they were disgruntled with their parties or they realized that their first choice candidates are not as they perceived them to be.

But, to "switch" has no baggage of a "balimbing."

Instead, the presumption is that when you switch, you made the better choice.

***

After two hours of researching, I was able to track the article I have in mind when I was writing this post.

It was article entitled "Should Filipinos expect more from their bishops?" written by Jose Mario Bautista Maximiano published in Union of Catholic Asian News website.

It is an interesting article and you might want to read the entire essay.

However, I will just quote here some relevant paragraphs.

"When the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Manila was declared sede vacante in 2020 after Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was called by Pope Francis to be the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome, I remember entering into lively discussions with certain members of the clergy and academia.

Who will be the next archbishop of Manila?

Some of them thought that the successor would be someone who was pastorally experienced who should not be cowed into silence by clear and present dangers — like Cardinal Sin, who confronted the Marcos dictatorship and with Cebu Archbishop Cardinal Vidal led the EDSA Revolution of 1986.

The people on the ground unanimously agreed that the next archbishop must be a man of brave heart for tough times and shouldn’t “consciously underplay his powerful position as head of the most influential diocese in the country.”

On June 24, 2021, the ninth Filipino cardinal, Jose Advincula, was installed archbishop of Manila at the Manila Cathedral.

On that special occasion, Cardinal Advincula had a chance to explain the roles of a cardinal: Servire, audire, renovare — “to serve, listen and renew.”

He concluded by saying that “the cardinal must not only profess that he will serve, but he must always be ready to serve and even to suffer for the sake of those he serves, for that is the essence of a true servant.”

A true servant leader is uniquely responsible for using his authority and resources (spiritual and material) to make this world a better place than before.

Recently, I went around Manila and heard them say that they are still waiting. Maybe, just maybe, the Catholics on the ground are expecting more from their bishops."

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In the Gospel the flock recognizes the voice of their shepherd. They will only follow their shepherd and no other.

Those who have pets or worked with livestock are familiar with this. When you call them they will come. However, if they are not yours, they would not come even if you will call them (except for some breeds).

As the Election 2022 happens on Monday, have you heard the voice of the Good Shepherd guiding you as you make your choice?