Who should lead us?

It was Mama Mary's birthday last September 8. This day reminds us about the very important role Mama Mary agreed to accept for our redemption. With complete obedience and love for God, although totally unaware about what would happen, Mama Mary agreed to be the mother of Jesus Christ who also agreed to God's plan to redeem humankind and bring all back to God the Father.

Although blessed among women for being the mother of Christ, Mama Mary quietly and totally accepted all the pains and sorrow of seeing Jesus persecuted and finally nailed on the Cross. Saying yes to God and His will was not easy but Mama Mary showed us the way to complete obedience and surrender to God's will.

Thank you so much, Mama Mary, for your very crucial role for our salvation, for being our model of complete obedience and surrender to God's will and love, and for your continuing intervention and assistance for all those who call on you for your help. 

So many have been touched by Mama Mary after praying this powerful Memorare Prayer: "REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen."

Mama Mary's acceptance of her role for our redemption came after she received the clear message of God delivered to her through an angel. She reflected upon the message, and although deeply troubled about the angel's message ( Luke 1:29) and had questions, she readily surrendered to God with the words – "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." ( Luke 1:38).

Her example of following God's will about her role on earth is worth reflecting upon, especially by those who are considering running for public positions in the next election.

How many of those who want to be candidates have first turned to prayer and to clear discernment about God's purpose for them, whether it is clearly God's will and purpose for them to run for public positions?

Or are the candidates running mainly because of their own personal ambitions or because of the attraction of having very high survey ratings?

Have the candidates also asked themselves honestly why they should run and why they should be elected by our people? Have they examined themselves if they have the qualities of genuine public servants who will put God and our people as priority, not themselves, not their own personal or family interests and agenda? Have they asked themselves honestly about their cutting edge, about why they want to lead, why they should be elected, and, what they can offer our people and our country?

More importantly, have they personally gone into the desert, to commune with God, and to ask for His guidance and will, if He wants them to serve His people or not?

At the moment, we have watched how certain presidentiables have decided or are in the process of deciding about their candidacy.

There are those who think they are qualified to be president because they have been elected before and have had the experience of public service, locally and/or nationally. There are those who have been eyeing the presidency for decades – for various reasons: to fulfill destiny that they should be president, to continue the family dynasty, for example. Or more candidates are publicly saying that they are responding to public surveys or  they are convinced that they are  the ones who can best serve the Filipino people. Have they sought divine guidance and approval about their candidacy?

Our country has had several leaders who were initially reluctant but eventually were elected as leaders after certain providential events and/or after going through a period of spiritual retreat to discern God's will for them and our people. Their decision to run was also powered by our prayers as a people, as a nation, for God to grant us genuine and honest public servants to lead us.

Let us continue to pray together for God to grant us leaders who have His clear mandate and blessings to lead us. Let us not consider candidates who are clearly running for their own personal agenda. Let us junk candidates who want to lead because they are popular, rich or powerful, even if they clearly have not sought God's blessing. Let us pray for God's guidance not to elect those who do not have genuine and honest public service to the Filipino people in their plans.

The candidates for vice president and senators are also not yet clear and complete. We also need to pray for honest and qualified candidates for these national positions as well as for local positions who will work as a team to serve God and our people.

With sincere, united prayers, we can be assured that God will clearly show us soon who has His blessings to lead our people and our nation back to God. Padayon ta with national prayers, faith, and hope.