Christ, our King

THE STORY is told about a congressman who visited an old folks' home. As part of his publicity campaign, he went around shaking hands with everyone. As the cameras clicked and rolled, he stopped for an old man at the corridor and asked him: "Lolo, do you know who I am?" The old man just stared at him, and after some moments replied: "No, but if you'll ask one of the nurses, she'll tell you."

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In Sunday's gospel (Jn. 18, 33-37) Pilate questions Jesus' identity. "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus refused to answer Pilate's questions directly. Jesus reminds us that our true identity is not about titles, positions, achievements or even our nationality. How do we look at ourselves? How do we look at other people?

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Where in the world do people display their diplomas and titles outside their homes? In the Philippines, where people give a lot of weight to positions and titles. The Lord reminds us again and again that a person's worth lies in who he is, and not in what he has. The bottom line is that every person is a child of God, with dignity, and so loved.

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I am writing this column in an isolated island somewhere in Pangasinan for my annual retreat. Here, nature is in command. Here, one experiences the beauty of creation, and the simplicity of life. One realizes the providence of God, and the goodness of people. Indeed, very little is needed in life to be happy. Do you know why you are unhappy? It is because you have forgotten your true King and have put so much weight on your own kings in this life.

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In my conversations with the simple fishermen in this island, we often talk about their hopes and dreams. Basically, they want a better life for their children and a better Philippines. I pray that those who have titles and positions really serve our people. They are counting on you. Concentrate more on your responsibility and not so much on your perks and privileges.

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The King of all plants in this island or in any island for that matter, is the Coconut. Do you know why? Not only because it is a survivor. It is because the coconut serves all. It is a very giving tree. Let us learn from the coconut that true and generous service is what Kings are made of. Any leader who does not serve, does not deserve the title nor the position. Keep this in mind when we choose our leaders again in May 2004.

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I had the chance to see the beautiful bird called the Kingfisher as I watched it dive and catch fish one morning, I realized that we all should be Kingfishers. i.e., fishers for the King.

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According to a story I heard, a woman once asked Confucius: "Sir, do clever men make good husbands?" His answer was: "Clever men never become husbands." We often hear of people who are clever in the ways of the world. They are admired for their business acumen, pragmatism and efficiency. We must not forget our gospel values in this fast, busy and unfeeling world. We must continue to follow Christ Our King.

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It is interesting to note that the sheep would never follow the voice of a stranger. The sheep always follow their shepherd. But, if they are sick, they will follow anybody. This sentence could mean if they (sheep) are sick, they will follow anybody or, it could mean, if they (shepherd) are sick, the sheep will follow anybody. There are a lot of sick sheep and sick shepherds these days.

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"If you are intelligent, you are admired;

"If you are wealthy, you are envied;

"If you are powerful, you are feared;

"If you have a good heart, you are loved"

We, who follow Christ the King must, in a world so full of hatred and materialism, continue to have good hearts and continue to be God's loving presence, in the here and now. That's what it means to stand for Christ the King. Who, what do you stand for?

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Did you hear the story about a doctor who gave his patient six months to live? The man could not pay his bill, so he gave him another six months! Many times we postpone our full allegiance to Christ our King, not that we deny Him, but we do not really make Him the No. 1 priority in our lives. Aside from Him, we have other kings whom we serve and love. If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart, and postpone not your conversion and love, for there may not be another six months.

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One of the highlights of my retreat was seeing the beautiful sunset on the China Sea from the rest house of Mayor and Mrs. Gabriel Navarro, together with his administrator, Tammy Olores, at Surip, Bani, Pangasinan. Mayor Navarro, brother of Gen. Marcelo Navarro, is one of the few mayors I know who really takes care of the ecology. Don't forget that Christ is the King of all creation. Here we are, so busy with our daily concerns, politics and all, but we must not forget that we have only one earth for ourselves and for our children.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, you are our King. Help us take care of the earth and one another. Amen.