2nd Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014

Since last week, the Philippine government has been preparing for the impact of Typhoon “Ruby,” aka “Hagupit.” The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has also briefed everybody to make a pre-emptive evacuation in strategic place. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was even heard saying, “We still don’t know what the impact of the incoming storm would be primarily because we don’t know yet. Until it’s near the country, we can’t make a more accurate assessment as to the size, as to the path it will really take. But, definitely, we are preparing for that.” He even said, “We have learned a lesson from Typhoon “Yolanda,” so I think that’s one area where we could really make sure that we are going to be prepared for this typhoon, as we are in all other typhoons.” My dear friends, I myself have been busy these days bringing my books and other things in a more secure place. I am afraid to experience again what I had experienced when Typhoons “Frank” and “Yolanda” visited our place. When Typhoon “Frank” devastated our town, I admit I was not prepared for the flood and mud which destroyed many things I treasured the most like my sacred vestments. When Typhoon “Yolanda” devastated our parish, I admit I was prepared yet my preparation was never enough to minimize what I lost. In both Typhoons, I learned what it means to prepare for such event. Now, there is a need again to prepare for Typhoon “Ruby.” I have to set aside and secure first those things which are important like my car registration, land titles, sacred vessel and vestments, etc. If it would still be possible, I would save all my stuff like my steel cabinet and others similar to it. But as the time is of the essence, I decided to leave behind those things which I believe are not important and necessary if ever Typhoon “Ruby” destroyed them. (Of course, I still pray that God will spare us all from such disaster!) Today, our Gospel Mark 1:1-8, reminds us of the need to prepare not for the Typhoon but for Jesus: "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight -- " Unlike our preparation for the Typhoons, we prepare for the coming of Jesus with a welcoming heart. And yet, similar to our preparation for the Typhoon, we prepare for the coming of Jesus by setting aside to secure what is important and necessary while leaving behind what is not important. During this season of advent then, it is best for us to go to confession, leaving our bad memories and sins behind while securing the goodness which is within us. We should not allow to happen again what happened during the first Christmas day when many people were never prepared to welcome Jesus. We have learned a lesson from His “first coming” how the three magi prepared for the Lord. They left everything behind and bring only their best gifts to Jesus. But for those who were not prepared including Herod, history reveals how they clung to their selfishness. My dear friends, I urge you to prepare the way of the Lord to your hearts. You know you are well-prepared when you can face God and His people without any burden of pain hidden in your hearts. Amen.