Question: What did the mother fish say to her young who was lost and finally found after a lot of searching? Answer: “Anak, isda you?”
* * *
In today’s gospel (Mt. 11, 2-11), John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus with the question:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” John the Baptist needed to know whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah. As we prepare for the birthday of our Lord, let us ask ourselves: Who is Christ for me? Who is He really in my life?
* * *
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of joy and hope. The liturgical color for today is not violet, but rose, to signify lightness and brightness.
Advent is the time for penance, but it is accompanied with rejoicing and hope because of our belief in God’s unconditional love for each one of us.
* * *
On the front page was a story titled “Christmas tree rises amid rubble in Tacloban” (Inquirer, 12/13/13). I was touched by the story of the people of Tacloban who put up and lit a 55-foot Christmas tree from the trash left behind by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” This account of the resiliency, joyful hope, and deep faith of our people captures the meaning of the Advent season. May we never, never lose hope no matter what happens in our lives. We Filipinos say it so well: “Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.” While there’s life, there’s hope.
* * *
Then there was the report titled “Baguio Christmas tree loses light to thieves” (Inquirer, 12/13/13). I was inspired by the Tacloban Christmas tree, but saddened by the theft of the LED lights from the Christmas tree put up at Baguio’s Burnham Park. How sad that our people are deprived of their homes and dreams especially at Christmastime.
* * *
Let not the brightness of Christmas be stolen from us by anything or anyone. We must not let the rush, the stress, and the financial component of the Christmas season deprive us of the peace and happiness in this most beautiful time of the year. Let not the darkness in our midst, or the sparkle of the Christmas lights, make us lose our focus on the Christmas candle glow. In the thick of the glitter and the flashbulbs, don’t miss the candle glow. And please find time, too, to look at the sky at night, where the moon is getting bigger and brighter as Christmas Day comes closer.
* * *
Think about this: While many of us are so stressed decorating our homes, many of our brothers and sisters have lost their homes, or have long been living in the streets. While we are engrossed with our Christmas shopping, and preparations for noche buena, many of our brothers and sisters do not even have money to get a decent meal. While we are busy preparing for our Christmas reunions, many of our brothers and sisters have lost family members, other loved ones, and friends.
* * *
The traditional nine-day dawn Masses will start tomorrow. Even in those areas devastated by Yolanda the Misa de Gallo will be celebrated, even if there is no electricity and churches have been unroofed. Let us not forget that the very first Christmas occurred in austere, indeed very poor, circumstances. Let not poverty and deprivation—or wealth and abundance, for that matter—deprive us of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
* * *
We welcome the news that Time magazine has named Pope Francis its “Person of the Year.” We thank the Lord for giving us a Pope who is directing us, by his words and example, to the true meaning of Christmas. He is surely leading us back to simplicity, poverty, serenity, joy, hope and love—and indeed, to our Lord Himself!
* * *
Remember how we as children used to hang up Christmas stockings and prayed that our Christmas wishes would come true? As grownups, we still have our personal wishes and dreams, but wouldn’t it be better if we ask others, starting with our own family, what they wish for Christmas? Yes, let us listen to our loved ones, our neighbors, and be one with their hopes and dreams. Amen!
* * *
Joshua Nataniel Gabriel, 13 years old, shares his thoughts: “Christmas is the time when we prepare our hearts and make room for positive change. I want to put away my pride, and redirect my actions toward humility so I can be closer to God. I wish to have the spirit of Christmas forever present in the home that is my heart.”
Humility is the key for a truly meaningful and peaceful Christmas! Without humility, we cannot know and see Jesus, our Lord, especially at Christmas. Godblessmile!
* * *
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help me to recognize You, see You, and experience You, especially during Advent and the Christmas season. Amen.