Today as we celebrate father’s day we reflect about the role of a father vis-a-vis his family. As the head of the family, one of a father’s principal roles is to protect his family, i.e., his wife and children, and other members of his household. Securing one’s loved ones is a primary role which Jesus Christ Himself teaches in the parable of the Good Shepherd: “I am the Good Shepherd who unlike the hired help is willing to die for my flock.” A father is a Good Shepherd protecting his flock pursuant to his divinely ordained task.

The father who fails or refuses to protect his family and loved ones and unduly places them in harms way is remiss in his duties as a father. Moreover, to abdicate this duty to persons who are incapable of providing such protection and security is downright irresponsible, to say the least.

This task of protecting one’s family and loved ones is illusory unless we are given the appropriate means to provide such protection. Sticks, bare hands, and whistles are a joke when faced with armed assailants who are determined to cause harm to one’s family. We have seen with much regret the carjacking yesterday by armed men of the Bernas family along the heavily populated C-5 corner Ortigas Ave. area. Four criminals brandishing guns shot the father and briefly kidnapped his family by driving away in their family van before dumping them in Makati. We respectfully submit that had Bernas been armed, the story would have been different and the family could have been spared this tragedy. Oftentimes, as we see again and again in real life, it takes only one determined armed man to turn the tide and prevent crime. Let the experience of the Bernas Family be a lesson for us all.

Being a Shepherd to your family entails a grave responsibility. People who cannot protect themselves are relying upon you for protection. Let us all be up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of our families.

Stay Safe.