REFLECTION FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
We are in the second Sunday of Advent. Many of us
are already engrossed in the preparation for Christmas. The trouble, it seems
is that our modern society has commercialized Christmas so that we have
mistaken icings from the cake, the accidents from the substance. Somebody once
made this strange proposal: “Christmas should be abolished because it only
makes the poor suffer more. Hence, we need to constantly remind ourselves to
“keep Christ on Christmas”. Let us focus more on internal preparation and be
ready to share some of our blessings this Christmas that would cheer and
somehow alleviate the harsh conditions of our less fortunate brothers and
sisters. That is why, in today’s gospel, it instructs us to prepare in the true
spirit that is, inwardly by which John the Baptist beautifully announces:
“Reform lives, the kingdom of God is at hand.” The Christmas carol, Joy to the
World puts it beautifully: “Let every heart prepare Him room.” This is a big
event, the coming of God’s Kingdom. Indeed, it is the big event of world
history. But John does not worry about his outfit or what he will eat. He
simply gets ready for the coming of the Lord. And as God’s messenger, he warns
the rest of the people to get ready too. Reform! Repent! Reform your lives! And
turn away from sin. Say, ‘We are sorry”,
and walk with it. Do it ! and do it now! Tomorrow may be too late!
