A Catholic priest and a Protestant minister were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" and showed it to each passing car.

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One motorist who drove by didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

All of a sudden they heard a big splash, looked at each other, and the priest said to the pastor, "Maybe we should just have said 'Bridge Under Repair’ instead?"

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As we are ending another year, the subject of this first Sunday of Advent is the end of the world about which the priest and minister in the story warn.

Advent comes from the Latin word "adventum" which means literally "coming." This coming does not mean primarily the coming of Christmas bonus and gifts, Sta. Claus and Christmas parties but the coming of the historical birthday of Jesus as well as His Second Coming at the end of time.

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The early Christians expected the return of Christ to take place in their own lifetime. They were waiting and waiting, then ran out of patience, and even gave in to laxity characterized in the gospel by indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly cares.

We do not expect Christ’s Second Coming in our lifetime. However, it is equally true that God can call you and me anytime, sometimes at the moment we least expect.

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That moment represents “the great day” for each of us. Hence, Jesus’ warning: “Be on your guard. Be prepared. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival” (Lk 12:36).

Once there was an aging wealthy man who lived alone and began to make preparation for his death. He bought a memorial plan. Weekly, he visited the site where his mortal remains would be interred.

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Some months after feeling that the end was near, he executed his last will and testament.

That done, he invited his relatives to come and see him. After a hearty meal, the kindly man began to dispense some of his valuables and personal effects.

A few days after, he died.

The man made provision, indeed. But it was for his body only and none for his soul.

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Making spiritual provisions means being faithful to our vocation whether as married, single by choice or religious. It means living according to God’s will, not living in sin or wrongdoings.

It also means the faithful performance of our duties and obligations in whatever capacities we serve, whether as plain housewife or career woman, a factory worker, a government personnel, an employer or employee.

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Finally, part of spiritual preparation is to enrich our life with good works. This is very clear from Christ’s teaching in the parable of the Last Judgment. “When I was hungry, you gave Me to eat; thirsty, you gave Me drink; sick and in prison and you visited Me… Enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

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Let's live in such a way that when the Master returns, as this Sunday’s gospel reminds us, we may not have cause to regret. "A life well lived today makes every yesterday a dream and every tomorrow a vision of hope."

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FAMILY TV MASS — is aired by the SVD Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. (MCFI) on IBC 13 at 9-10 a.m. every Sunday.

Mass sponsor: St. Jude Catholic School, San Miguel, Manila. Celebrant: Fr. Jerome MARQUEZ, SVD.

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APPEAL. Our TV Ministry is airing the nine-day Simbang Gabi on Studio 23, ABS-CBN to reach out especially to the sick, handicapped and elderly who can’t go to church.

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To realize the project, may we appeal to generous readers for love offerings or sponsorships.

For inquiries, call Brian Deguito of MCFI at Christ the King Seminary, QC (cf. tel. directory) or e-mail: belsvd@yahoo.com.