Anytime, any hour

The story is told about an old maid who received finally an engagement ring. Wanting to surprise her friends, she invited them for a dinner, but none of them noticed the ring even though she had her hands in the air while she was talking, folded them, or even raised them for them to see the ring. Finally, she stood up and said: “It’s hot in here. I think I’ll take off my ring.” Now that is what I’d call a wise virgin!

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In today’s gospel (Mt. 25, 1-13) we hear the story of the 10 virgins, five of whom were foolish, while the other five were wise. The former did not make extra provisions for oil, while the latter did. Better to be ready than to be caught unprepared. Better to have more than to have less. As we Filipinos say: “Mabuti na ang labis kaysa kulang.” This is a very good principle in life and love.

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No matter what we do, we can never really be fully prepared for eventualities and surprises in life. However, the Benedictine motto “Ora et labora” should be a very good guide for us. Yes, let us do our best, and to God we leave the rest.

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Can we fault the wise virgins for not sharing their oil? In the same way, can we accuse people of not sharing their surplus with others? When can we say that a person is selfish, or that he is practical or wise? Where exactly does justice end and love begin? As we go through life, there are no fast and easy rules, but it is always good to remember the “extra mile” in our journey and in our ministry.

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I am writing this column from Israel. The Israelis are known to be very thorough and no-nonsense when it comes to security and preparedness. They literally leave no stone unturned, no baggage unopened when it comes to security. They are very vigilant since they are surrounded by unfriendly nations from all sides. We too must not be lax in our spiritual warfare, nor can we be complacent and rest our laurels in our journey of faith, for the devil goes about like a roaring lion to find its prey. Let us always be alert and be on watch for we know not the time nor the hour when the enemy will strike.

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Whenever I go to a foreign land on a pilgrimage, I make sure that we as a group protect each other from thieves or snatchers. I tell them to watch each other’s back and we have a code: whenever we suspect somebody mixing with our group for evil intent, we start singing our Filipino song “Paru-parung bukid, na lilipad-lipad!” (There’s a butterfly fluttering around!) to warn each other and to protect each other.  It works!

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We all know that we all will die someday, but what we do not know is when, where, or how we will die. In a way, people who have cancer are lucky for they are given the chance to prepare for their appearance before the Creator. No matter how ugly it may seem, they are given the grace to confront their mortality and prepare for their exit to eternity.

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Speaking of preparations, please take note that Christmas is not far behind. Are you preparing for this most joyful and meaningful celebration? Please make sure that beyond your personal or company/office preparations, you include also provisions for the poor and the “little ones” in our midst. Please set aside a generous part of your time, talent and treasures for our suffering people.

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I received a text message from Bang Yumul, a day-care teacher from Bani, Pangasinan. She asked me to send a little help to make happy the Christmas of her day-care children aged between 4 and 6 years old. Perhaps a pair of slippers, or a little bag, or some candies will do, she said. I was touched when she said that whenever the children pray the prayer “Angel of God,” they always end it with “and please make Santa Claus visit us and give us gifts this year!” Any takers out there? This is just one of the so many other things you can do to make Christmas really happen to others (and to yourself) this year.

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As we go about preparing for worst scenarios in life, let us especially prepare for blessings that will come our way. Let us not be too gloomy nor pessimistic because our God is a God of surprises! Let us believe that God is more than willing to give the healing, the abundance and the solutions we are hoping for. Let our constant prayer be: “Jesus, I trust in you. Mama Mary, I love you!”

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What is the best preparation for death? A life well-lived! Let us all make that resolve to live a life that is presentable to the Giver of life anytime He wants to “call us back home.” We do not know the time nor the hour, so let us live in such a way that we will be ready to meet Him anytime, any hour. Amen!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, give me the wisdom and the grace to live a life that is pleasing to you and that is open to your coming anytime, at any hour. Amen.