Thirty Second Sunday of the Year November 12, 2023
Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
"Do you think we need to take some extra oil?"
"Why? The bridegroom will arrive at sunset anyway.
That's what the program says."
"But what if he is delayed. Then we shall not have
enough oil for the night?"
"C'mon! Why are you so negative? Why do you always
complicate things? You want us to carry extra oil that we are not going to use?
Why can't you see the bright side of things?"
"Yes, but you never know! Me, I am taking extra oil,
just in case..."
We know the rest of the story. The bridegroom is delayed and
the bridesmaids who took extra oil prove to be the wise ones. Wisdom here has
little to do with personal intelligence or IQ. Wisdom is a choice -- a choice
to do all it takes to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The
foolish ones only hope for the best and do not prepare for the worst
possibility. (Credit: Fr Munachi E. Ezeogu, cssp)
Today the liturgy invites us to reflect on the theme of
preparedness, vigilance, and the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God. In the
Gospel according to Matthew (25:1-13), we encounter the parable of the ten
bridesmaids—a powerful metaphorical narrative that holds profound lessons for
our spiritual journey.
The parable unfolds with ten bridesmaids awaiting the
arrival of the bridegroom. Five of them are described as wise, carrying extra
oil for their lamps, while the other five are deemed foolish, having neglected
to bring additional oil. As they await the bridegroom's delayed arrival, all
ten bridesmaids eventually grow drowsy and fall asleep. Suddenly, a cry rings
out: "The bridegroom is coming! Go out to meet him!"
Here, the wisdom of the prepared becomes evident. The lamps
of the wise bridesmaids, fueled by the extra oil they brought, are ready to
illuminate the path to the bridegroom. In contrast, the lamps of the foolish
bridesmaids flicker and fade, their lack of preparedness casting them into
darkness.
This parable, like many in the Gospel, is rich in symbolism.
The lamps represent our faith, the oil signifies good works and spiritual
readiness, and the bridegroom is the Christ who will come again to establish
the Kingdom. As we delve into this narrative, let us draw out three key
reflections.
Firstly, the importance of spiritual preparedness. The wise
bridesmaids embody the spirit of readiness, symbolized by the surplus oil they
carry. Our faith journey, too, calls for an abundance of spiritual resources.
It beckons us to go beyond the basics, to delve deep into prayer, Scripture,
and the sacraments, cultivating a rich reservoir of spiritual strength that
sustains us through the varied seasons of life.
In a world replete with distractions and demands, it is easy
to become spiritually complacent. The parable challenges us to assess the state
of our lamps. Are we nurturing our faith with the extra oil of prayer, or have
we allowed the busyness of life to dim our spiritual light? Let us reflect on
the ways we can deepen our connection with God and replenish the oil of our
faith.
Secondly, the call to vigilance and readiness in the community.
The communal aspect of the parable is often overlooked but holds immense
significance. The wise bridesmaids not only prepared themselves but were
willing to share their oil with the foolish ones. This underscores the communal
responsibility we bear as Christians. We are journeying together towards the
Kingdom, and our readiness should extend to supporting and uplifting one
another.
In our faith communities, are we attuned to the needs of our
brothers and sisters? Are we willing to share the oil of our faith, offering
support and encouragement to those who may be struggling in darkness? The
parable challenges us to foster a sense of interconnectedness, where the light
of one contributes to the illumination of all.
Finally, the awareness of the bridegroom's coming. The cry,
"The bridegroom is coming!" echoes through the ages, reminding us of
the promise of Christ's return. The parable emphasizes the uncertainty of the
timing, urging us to live each day in anticipation of His arrival. Our faith is
not a passive waiting but an active, engaged readiness—a life lived in accordance
with the teachings of Christ.
As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year, let us
renew our commitment to a vigilant and prepared faith. Let our lamps burn
brightly, fueled by the oil of prayer, good works, and a vibrant connection
with God. May we, as a community, be ever watchful and supportive, sharing the
light of Christ in a world that often gropes in darkness.
Let us heed the wisdom of the prepared, recognizing that our
journey of faith is a collective pilgrimage toward the Kingdom. May the light
of our lamps shine brightly, illuminating the path to the bridegroom, as we
eagerly await the fulfillment of God's promise.
May God bless you abundantly as you continue this journey of
faith with joy, vigilance, and unwavering hope.
Happy Sunday
No comments:
Post a Comment