ONE of the greatest acts of charity is service for the common good of all. This is the essence of public service and that of a public servant. And they say politics is the art and skill of public service.
We believe that public service is a calling from God. And for those who are called, it is a mission for service. It is more than just a destiny. It is a gift, yes, but a responsibility, too. Why? Because there is power in public service that one earned in a legitimate election or appointment from a legitimate office of the government. Moreover, there is power in authority.
But there is a danger in the exercise of power. Lord Acton said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Power has an intoxicating quality that has tempted leaders to corruption and downward spiral of decadence. In the cable TV series Vikings, the farmer king remarked to his power-obsessed son to be careful with the use of power, since it attracts the worst and corrupts the best.
We need leadership, truly. It is indispensable and vital to public service. But what kind of leadership do we need in this post-modern society beset with grinding poverty, worsening climate change and widening income inequality?
And, of course, the never-ending resolve to curb corruption and incompetence in many areas in
public affairs.
Our proactive response is we need “servant leadership.” It is a profound paradigm that assumes accountability for the sake of others—that is—service above self-interest.
It is easier said than done. We know that, but we humbly rely on the graciousness of the Lord Jesus who came not to be served but to serve and offer His life for the ransom of many (Mark 10:45).
It is for these reasons the Serviam Foundation on Thursday and Friday (July 2 and 3) held the pastoral conference on “Servant Leadership in Public Service” and presented to public leaders and those active in political advocacy as our humble contribution to ethical politics and good governance in our country.
The past two days gave opportunity for genuine encounters of listening, reflecting, and discerning with one mind and heart (Acts 4:32) why we are called in public service and as a public servant.
May the inner values of servant leadership inspire us to be authentic in our calling for the common good of all, especially in behalf of the vulnerable, the marginalized and the rejected.
****
To know more about the programs of Caritas Manila, visit www.caritas.org.ph. For donations, call 563-9311. For inquiries, call 563-9308 or 563-9298. Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph. For comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.