Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of
heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the
bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones,
when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks
of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became
drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ´Behold, the bridegroom!
Come out to meet him!´ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise, ´Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are
going out.´ But the wise ones replied, ´No, for there may not be enough for us
and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.´ While they
went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the
wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins
came and said, ´Lord, Lord, open the door for us!´ But he said in reply, ´Amen,
I say to you, I do not know you.´ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither
the day nor the hour."
Introductory Prayer: Lord,
I come to you again in prayer. Even though I cannot see you, I know through
faith that you are present in my life. I hope in your promise to be with me. I
love you, and I know you love me. Accept this prayer as a token of my love.
Petition: Lord, make me
long for and strive to enter the kingdom of heaven.
1. A Severe Oil Shortage: The
Gospel invites us to have oil for our lamps, that is, to be always ready for
the coming of the Lord. He appears in moments and ways we do not expect and at
all times throughout our day. The foolish virgins failed to anticipate when and
how the Lord would come to them, and they were not prepared. So often we, too,
get caught up in a thousand affairs and worries, and we can miss what is
essential. We miss the presence of Christ in the people around us, in the
circumstances in which we are living. Sometimes, Christ comes to us through
some sacrifice or suffering; but we do not recognize him in it, and we reject
it. We need to strengthen our faith and see how the Lord may appear in our
lives.
2. The Door Closes: Over
and over in the New Testament, Jesus makes clear that there is a real
possibility some people, due to their own choices, may not be saved.
The most terrible thing that could happen to any person would be
to hear those words from the Lord who created us and died to save us: “I do not
know you.” The Lord takes our freedom to choose very seriously. He never forces
our will. He never imposes himself on us. Rather he invites us to make a free
response of love and obedience to him and the way of life he taught us. We must
choose to remain steadfast in the way of the Christian life. God cannot save us
without our cooperation.
3. Stay Awake: Saint
Augustine said, “Beware of the grace of God that passes and does not
return.” We need to perceive God’s presence in the little things of each day
and never let the opportunity to love and serve him pass us by. Our faith must
be ready and watching for him. If we take him for granted, or presume that we
are already saved, we can miss our chance to be with him.
Conversation with Christ: Jesus,
thank you for teaching us so clearly about the seriousness of our choices. How
terrible it would be to opt for death instead of eternal life with you! I want
to choose you and your ways, but I am weak. Make me watch and wait always,
ready to see you in all things and do your will.
Resolution: I will actively look
for signs of Christ in others today
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