By Rev. Canon David B. Tabo-oy
44So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him. Matthew 24:44
If we are ardently following the South East Asian Games 30th edition (SEAG 30) that the Philippines is currently hosting a question is very apt to ask amidst issues being raised. Are we really ready to host the event? There is the issue of unfinished construction of venues where main events of the world regional event will be hosted and other connected concerns: acceptable areas where media would be accommodated to cover the events blow-by-blow; nutritional food for all athletes including those with cultural, religious and health restrictions. These are serious concerns if we are to evaluate preparedness. Until the other day so many concerns are still being raised that could be concluded that the Philippines through an adhoc body it formed to attend to the SEAG 30 is not quite ready. My own personal assessment.
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What motivates preparedness? What are the things readiness should anticipate that would make preparation appropriate? I am convinced that for anybody to be ready has to be firmly convinced that what is being prepared for is such import to affect his or her life and the rest of the wider community. It should transcend personal interest and must include love and commitment for family and the benefit of all. And in the SEAG 30… should go beyond politics and personal monetary profit. These are my personal reactions and blabbering in connection with the SEAG and the thoughts of preparedness on the matter.
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As our biblical text is saying we must be ready for everything – most especially for the last day. And I am reminded of the so many questions I have asked in my numberless sermons preached and some articles written on the same. So with this I am re-writing and recalling ‘preparedness’ and why we are on that topic this Sunday. Indeed, this Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation, a time of going toward the coming again of the Messiah, a time of great expectation and great anticipation. But exactly what is it that we anticipate? What are we getting ready for? What do we expect to happen? Do we anticipate the end of the world, as some religious cults always do at this time of the year? Are we preparing our hearts and spirits to receive again the coming the coming of the Christ child into the world?
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This Sunday is Advent Sunday. This is the time where every believer be reminded of being prepared for the second advent or coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as a Judge and King. Let me share at this point a version of the famous Psalm 23 written in the book of Mother Theresa in 1983 that tells us about being ready.
The Lord is my pace setter… I shall not rush..
He makes me stop for quiet intervals..
He provides me with images of stillness which restores my serenity…
He leads me in the way of efficiency through calmness of mind…and His guidance and peace…
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for His presence is here;
His timelessness, His all importance will keep me in balance;
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility;
My cup of joyous energy overflows
Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in peace of my Lord and dwell in His house for ever.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.**
