Ready?

THE STORY is told about two fishermen, Juan and Pedro, sharing a bottle of gin one starry December night. They talked about their dwindling catch, their children, their hopes and their dreams. When the topic turned to country and politics, they had a lot, literally a lot to say and so had one more bottle to share. Finally, Juan looked up at the sky with a sigh and said, "You know, pare, when I see the stars, I am reminded of our present stock of politicians." "Why, because they are bright?" asked Pedro. "No pare, it is because they are co-corrupt corrupt," replied Juan. (Kukurap kurap, i.e. twinkling)

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The Gospel today (Lk. 21, 25-28, 34-36) speaks about signs in the sky before the coming of the Son of Man in a cloud with power and great glory. There will be trials and tribulations when these things begin to happen. Jesus says that we must stand erect and raise our heads because our redemption is at hand. Jesus exhorts us to be vigilant at all times and pray. That is what Advent is all about, a time to prepare our hearts and mend our lives for the coming of Christ.

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As we come toward the end of this year, let us first be filled with thanksgiving. In spite of our troubles and travails, we are still alive. Let us be grateful for what we have and what we still have rather than be depressed over what we do not have or, do not yet have. As a text message put it, if you keep saying THANK YOU for whatever in this life, someday, when the gates of heaven will open for you, you will hear the words "YOU ARE WELCOME."

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Instead of fright and anticipation, the Lord reminds us today to do our best and, to God, leave the rest. Instead of being depressed, we must continue to have hope. Come to think of it, many things we worry about never happen. Anticipation is oftentimes worse than reality.

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A beautiful Christmas moment happened last week when I heard the confession of a married man who decided to let go of a relationship that he really wanted but was against God's law. It was painful for him to let go of his friend, but, he wanted to be at peace with God and with his family once more. This, he said, was a part of his preparation for Christmas. The other part was to build up his breaking home, and to really be of help to other people. I admire his sense of goodness, and his willingness to let be, to let go and to let God. He left my office with a beautiful smile, bearing the face of one who has been forgiven. Is there any area of your life that needs healing? Let be, let go and let God, and you too will be at peace.

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If God called you now, would you be ready? We all know that we will face our Creator someday, and yet we do not prepare for it. We are so busy with other "more important things" in this life like wealth, career, prestige, retirement, right? Wrong! Nothing is more important than living a meaningful life now and for eternity. Advent should make us focus on what is really important in our lives.

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I have met and prayed over many cancer patients, and "patient" is precisely the word to aptly describe them. It takes a lot of patience to live one day at a time, especially those who suffer untold pain day and night. I admire their courage and determination to live on, and to hold on. But cancer too has a redemptive side, for it helps people prepare for the next life. It also helps people to live more meaningful lives now. Cancer makes people live quality lives. They realize what is truly important and essential in life, and this enables them to face even death itself with meaning. As someone beautifully put it, cancer patients aren't dying. They're living and for some, at last.

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When you come to the end of the day, can you smile and say "I've done my best"? The bottom line is that we keep on trying. Let us not lose sight of the time when we will have to make a full accounting of who we are and what we have done. I've said it before, and I say it again: you can get away with it before people sometimes, but not all the time. And definitely, before God, the truth will be as clear as day, so, live an honest and a good life now, so that when that time comes, you will hear Him say: "Welcome, my child!"

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December 8 is the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception. To honor the Blessed Mother, we will launch our book "Inquirer Moments" (a collection of my Sunday columns in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Year C), 5 p.m., at the Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City. At 6 p.m., we will have the Eucharistic celebration, and the launching of "A Shrine by the Sea" by Mirant Philippines. After the Mass, we will have "Ave Maria," a concert of classical music and songs headed by Ed de Guia and his generous group of artists and musicians. Admission is free, for Mama Mary! It's also the 83rd birthday of my Mama. See you!!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to prepare for your coming by living a good life now. Amen.