Advent reminders

I HAVE often wondered why surgeons, after scrubbing, would enter the operating room with both hands raised toward their faces. There must be a medical reason for doing this. And maybe a psychological reason, too. Can you imagine the threatening look of a surgeon if he entered the OR with two hands raised like claws toward the patient, with mask and all?

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The Gospel today (Mt. 3, 1-12) speaks about John the Baptist who threatened the self-righteous and complacent Pharisees and Saducees with his courageous proclamation of the truth. He did not mince words. He did not care who got hurt in the process, even if he was the one who was hurt and killed in the end. We need in our present day and time John the Baptists who are not afraid to stand up against people who have become so thick-faced and complacent in their evil ways and means. As in John the Baptist's time, a change of heart is also the call of our times.

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The recent typhoons were Advent reminders for preparation and conversion. I hope that the selfish, filthy rich who have enriched themselves by illegal means were moved with sorrow and repentance as they watched on television, inside the comfort of their air-conditioned homes, the plight of our suffering, hungry, homeless people. How many people are suffering this very moment because the selfish rich abused the natural resources of our country? How many people are suffering this very moment because the filthy rich pocketed the money that was meant for them? More than the feel-good donations and the much publicized visits and relief operations, the Lord asks a change of heart and a radical conversion.

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As we braced ourselves for the big typhoon, there was something else which we did as a nation-we embraced the Lord and and our Blessed Mother in prayer. It is amazing how we as a people reminded one another through text messages of our need for God, and the power of prayer. Threatened by something beyond our control, we humbled ourselves, and in our helplessness, we turned to God in prayer. I hope we also turn to our hearts and change our ways. I hope, too that we turn to one another and reach out in generosity and love.

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We have in Fr. Charlito Colendres, chancellor of the Prelature of Infanta, a modern-day John the Baptist. His whole life was spent in proclaiming the Gospel truths in defense of his flock. He died while he was trying to save his parishioners during the recent flash floods "in solidarity with his people to the last." A priest has died saving lives, while the loggers and their cohorts who caused and aggravated the flash floods are free and enjoying a comfortable life. Shame on you!

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Recently, a beautiful Advent reminder came to our shores in the person of Julia Kim, the visionary from Korea. She touched the hearts of so many people with her healing and message. Thousands of people were literally embraced by her. Being embraced by Julia is like being embraced by the Blessed Mother. We told her that she did not have to embrace and bless everyone because she was exhausted already, but with a smile typical of a mother, she said she wanted to bless and embrace everyone. Her love is sincere. Her generosity is real.

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Upon the invitation of Director Sol Matugas, I had the chance to give spiritual enhancements to the teachers-staff of the Department of Education (Region 8) in Tacloban City. I accepted the invitation to honor our public school teachers who carry out an invaluable mission for our people. They are not only educators, they are modern-day prophets as well in their task of forming, informing and transforming our society through education. On a personal note, I also wanted to honor my mother, herself a public school teacher, who celebrates her 84th birthday this Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Hail to all dedicated parents and teachers who are true prophets, not for profit.

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While some of us are getting ready preparing for a nice and cozy Christmas, let us be reminded that we have brothers and sisters around who are not even sure if they will still be alive this Christmas because of poverty and sickness. Please, please, please share, and do your part. That which you do for love is never lost. That which you do for Christ will last. Any help for the victims in cash or in kind, please call up the SVD Mission Office at 721-7457.

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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, thank you for reminding us of the Advent message of readiness and change of heart. Amen.

E-mail jorbos@manila-online.net