What should we do?

AS the Christmas season approaches, let us learn our lesson from pigs and misers... they are of no use, until they die.

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In Sunday's Gospel (Lk. 3, 10-18), John was asked the question "What should we do?" His answer was simple: Share. Times are hard, but, precisely because times are hard, all the more we should open our hands to the poor and the needy around us. If only we shared, there will be enough for everyone. Have you set aside something to be given away this Christmas? As you enjoy your cozy homes, your parties and reunions, please don't forget the poor people around you. Give, share. Till it hurts.

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What should we do to the tax collectors who asked him, "What should we do?" John told them to stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Hello BIR. Hello Bureau of Customs. Hello government officials. Are you listening? Do not deprive our people of what is rightfully theirs. In plain and simple terms, do not cheat. Do not become rich at the expense of our suffering people.

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The soldiers also asked John, "What should we do?" His answer was: Do not practice extortion, do not accuse falsely, and be satisfied with your wages. Hello PNP! Hello AFP! Are you listening? You have been given the arms and the power so that you can protect and defend, and not grab and intimidate. The bottom line is that you do your job well. And that no one is hurt or cheated as you rise to higher positions. Did you get your star because you pulled strings, pulled people, or pulled the trigger?

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John himself, when asked whether he was the Messiah, declared that he was not the one. He was clear about his role and his mission. He had no ambition. John, where are you? Please remind all those lining up now for the 2004 elections to concentrate on mission rather than on personal ambition, and to have a heart for the nation rather than their post-election plans and imaginations. Everybody is talking about who will be at the BANQUET PRESIDENTIAL TABLE. Different groups have different candidates. They already have their set menus, their table arrangements, and even their own waiter. In the meantime, nobody is minding the kitchen and the people are getting hungry.

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Christmas is in the air. There is a build-up of activities and expectations, (and traffic, too) and we all get busy and experience the "RUSH." Through all these, I am grateful that our Superior Delegatus, Fr. Dante Venus, SVD, had a BELEN made right at the corridor of the Mission House where I experience quiet and prayerful Christmas moments whenever I stop by. It is as if Jesus, Mary and Joseph are telling me: "Jerry, why the rush? Why are you so busy? Who, what is the reason for all that you are doing?" Yes, let us all find time to stop in whatever busy "corridor" we are in, and realize again, that indeed, Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. That's what we all should do.

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Actually, we know what we should do. The problem is that we do not do what we should do. If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Do not postpone your conversion. Do not postpone your loving.

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This week, we begin our Aguinaldo Dawn Masses once again. This sacrifice of getting up early and being alert to the Lord is a beautiful preparation for Jesus' birthday. Remember, Christmas has to happen in the heart. May we all experience a peaceful, grace-filled Christmas. May we all listen to the Lord with our hearts. Indeed, it is only with the heart that one can see rightly.

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The problem with some people is that, they get busy at Christmas with wrapping and partying, and they forget cleaning (hearts) and mending (relationships). Today is Gaudete Sunday. Prepare for His coming with joy! This reminds me of a story of an old priest who came before St. Peter, so gloomy and thin because he lived such an ascetic life. What did St. Peter tell him? "My child, actually there was a typographical error somewhere. 'Celibate' should have been spelled 'Celebrate,' and, 'Reduce' should have been spelled 'Rejoice'!"

Let us rejoice in spite of everything and continue to see God's loving smile and feel His embrace whoever we are, whatever we are going through!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me again what I should be, and give me the strength to do what I should do. Amen.