One True Servant King

Fr Ruben Elago, MSP, chaplain of the Filipino community in Auckland, New Zealand, in his homily on the occasion of the Feast of Christ the King said that the kingship of Jesus is totally opposite that of how the world views people holding high positions. To make his point, he narrated about a newly arrived migrant who had yet to find work introduced himself to the priest and asked the latter in what way he could serve the parish. “That is leadership,” he explained, “it is that desire to volunteer, to work, to serve others that makes one a leader.”

A good example of a true leader is Efren Peñaflorida who was recognised as the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year on November 21, 2009 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The Filipino street educator who heads the Dynamic Teen Company was honoured for the “Kariton Klassroom” (pushcart classroom) programme that brings education to more than 1,500 poor children as an alternative to gang membership in Cavite. He leads 10,000 volunteers who teach the 3 Rs as well as basic hygiene to these children.

In his acceptance speech, Efren said: “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colours, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry, Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”

Saints and martyrs are heroes of faith. They lived lives of selflessness, humility and sacrifice.  Dedicating themselves to serve others, they modelled themselves after the Leader of leaders, the King of kings. Jesus Christ had no palace, no army, no slaves, though he reigns over Heaven and earth. He offered His life by dying on the cross to save humanity from sin and Satan. “Though [Jesus Christ] was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to...In human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God.” (Philippians 2:6-8) Christ is the one true Servant King.

Efren was given a total of US$125,000 cash prize for his feat. When asked how he would use the money, he responded: “Iyong 90% cash mapupunta sa Dynamic Teen Company. Iyong 10% sa church...Nothing for me.” He added: “Nandito po ako para i-represent ang mga bata, iyong mga dedicated volunteers, iyong mentor ko, iyong selfless and hardworking Filipinos.”  As Fr Ruben would say: “That is leadership.” And may I add: “That is servanthood.”

by Mel Libre