What Should We Do?

Gospel          
13 December 2009 
3^rd Sunday of Advent         
Lk. 3:10-18   
By: Lester C. Yee

Twelve days to go before Christmas and the Gospel reading challenges me with this question, “What should we do?”

The commemoration of the birth of Christ is nearing but am I ready to let Christ in? Have I been doing the right preparations? What have I been too busy doing?

In the midst of all the busy preparations for Christmas of everyone, the essence of Christmas and the message of the One whose birth we celebrate lies forgotten amidst the Christmas lights, the Christmas shopping and the noche buena preparations.

Thus, what should I do? John answers part of my question already. I am challenged to share what I have with others, especially with those who have less. I am called to give and not to count the cost, to labor and ask not for reward.

On more concrete terms applied to my present context, I am called to continue giving to those institutions which channel donations to victims of the typhoons of the months past. I am asked to give more of my time in volunteering for cause-oriented groups. I am challenged to continue dropping coins to Pondo ng Pinoy bottles.

You might also ask, “What should we do?” The househelp might be longing to see her family in the province. She might need a vacation and a bonus to give her children gifts. The driver might want to join the family for noche buena and partake of food he rarely has the chance to taste. Your minimum-wage employees might be having a hard time making ends meet. The estranged cousin might be in need of a call of forgiveness from you. The parish newsletter might need new writers for its reflections section.

There are only twelve days left before Christmas. What should you do?