B: 15th Sun of OrdTime (15 July 2018) - THE TRUE LEADER'S STAFF - Mk 6:7-13

The sequence of the disciples’ sending is presented as quite radical with Jesus ordering them “to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics (Mk 6:8-9)”. It appears that besides what one dons (tunic and sandals), a missionary is asked to carry nothing except a staff. We surmise that a staff is quite vital in sharing with Jesus’ authority. But what does it actually imply?

The Greek word used in our text is “rabdos,” which is defined as “a relatively slender piece of wood varying in length, rod, staff, stick” (cf. BDAG). It is employed in the Gospels primarily as an aid in traveling (cf. Mk 10:10; Lk 9:3). But both in the OT and NT “rabdos” has many other usages. Firstly, it is used by shepherds (e.g., Mi 7:14; Gen 30:38) either in guiding the flock as they move together in the vast pasture or in defending them from lurking predators in the wilderness. It allegorically refers to care and protection, preserving the precious lives of the sheep. Secondly, it is also a reference to a ruler’s mandate similar to a scepter (e.g., Psa 44:7; Heb 9:4; Rev 9:15). It then becomes symbolic of power and authority over the people of the land. Thirdly, congruent to this function of power is its identification to an instrument like a heavy stick used in punishing (e.g., Ex 21:20; Isa 10:24; 1 Cor 4:21). Here, the idea of fear, threat and terror are being instilled on the subjects for a greater subordination to a master. Finally, it may rarely point to the cane of an old man (e.g., Gen 47:31). Under this context, it functions as a support to the mobility of a weak member of the society.

The disciples carry their “rabdos” around while they walk in villages. Other than its function as a traveling aid, it brings with it Jesus’ authoritative commissioning. However, they can use it under one of the aforementioned functions depending on the image they want to convey to the people: a caring shepherd’s staff, a powerful leader’s scepter, a cruel despot’s club, or a weak old man’s cane. On the one hand, it can demonstrate an itinerant person’s compassion or dependence; on the other hand, it can assert his/her iron rule over the weak. Fortunately, our First Reading clearly answers our inquiry on what kind of “rabdos” a leader should bear: the one of a shepherd as the prophet Amos claims himself to be one (cf. Amos 7:14-15).

In relation to our present societal context, leaders of our land, after receiving from God and the people their mandate to lead, should be conscientious on what kind of “rabdos” they display. It is not for us to read their minds, but it is the greater global community that can neutrally evaluate what “rabdos” is employed on the populace. Woefully, our current Philippine government is perceived as using an iron staff. For instance, last weekend (7-8 July 2018) one whole page (pg. 32) of the well-respected Belgian newspaper De Standaard banners the image of the Filipino President with the caption: “Gangster Charm in Power: Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, 2 Years and 12,000 Deaths Later” (http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20180706_03601993).

Of course, this news article can also be viewed as a propaganda against him or is written with a certain bias against dictator-like leaders. But by the mere fact that several others in the past have similarly observed and raised their concern on the alleged killings, the Filipino citizenry should begin to be alarmed. Appropriately, we must let our voices be heard, demanding that what we truly want and deserve is a “rabdos”, not that of gangster, but that of a true shepherd like Jesus'.

- Rex Fortes, CM