CHOOSING A TRUE LEADER - C: 6th Sun in OrdTime

First Reading: Jer 17:5-8 (13 February 2022)

“A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope” (Jer 17:7).

In our first reading, the prophet Jeremiah presents a binary of human attitude. On the one hand, he talks about the person who performs actions based on human and worldly standards, saying, “A curse on the man who puts his trust in man who relies on things of flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord” (v. 5). Herein, Jeremiah denounces somebody who does not put to heart Godly virtues and truths but depends solely on personal desires and judgments. He is likened to a dry wasteland that is uninhabited and fruitless (v. 6). On the other hand, a person who has faith in the Lord is compared to a sturdy tree that is rooted deeply into a well-watered soil and in effect produces much fruit (v. 8).

This metaphor implies that God is the source of true success and security. On the converse, distancing from him only leads to moral and spiritual barrenness.

In the Philippine context, the campaign season begins this week in view of the national elections on May 9, 2022. Aptly, the prophecy of Jeremiah serves as a rule of thumb in choosing the next leaders of the land. It tells us to shun candidates who are associated with worldly affairs (e.g., graft and corruption and dirty politics) and disregard God-values (e.g., abuse of human rights and oppression of the poor).

Meanwhile, it enjoins us to vote candidates who are known as advocating God’s commandments and protecting all of God’s creation.

In this light, I recommend three qualities a true leader must possess as guidelines for collective discernment:

A moral ascendancy and aptitude to lead the country (Marangal). A leader must be known for his/her moral integrity evinced in his/her life of civility, right conduct, virtue, and fear of the Lord; has a track record of public service that is unblemished of corruption; eschew political dynasties and patronage politics; has demonstrated the intelligence, maturity, and capacity to lead and confront the large-scale and deep-seated problems of the land; and has the right program for the alleviation of poverty and the other pressing concerns the country faces in the contemporary and digital age.

A respect of the basic human rights and a resolve for universal equality (Makatao). A leader must value the life of everyone regardless of his/her socio-economic status or political affiliation; fight corruption in all its forms; make public servants accountable for their mismanagement of funds and services; stand against dictatorial rule that infringes on freedom of expression; and contest any policy that marginalizes and abuses the poor especially on their right to live and to have the means to survive as manifested in recent extra-judicial killings and inappropriate response to the pandemic.

A patriotism for the Philippine nation, ensuring the greater interest of its citizens (Makabayan). A leader must show a genuine commitment to assert the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines against foreign neo-colonists; adhere to the Philippine Constitution at all costs; observe both international and national laws in the pursuit of justice and fairness; protect the environment from its wanton destruction; ensures the equal opportunity for everyone to access learning and wealth; shows compassion and concern for the welfare of every Filipino both in the country and abroad; and has the political will to realize his/her noble vision for the nation’s progress, unity, and peace.

- Rex Fortes, CM