Today Jesus tells us the parable (story) of the ten bridesmaids, and you’re right, … this parable it isn’t really about weddings.
The point Jesus is trying to make with this parable is about staying alert and being attentive.
As we approach the end of the church year, it’s fair if we ask is Jesus inviting us to consider the end of our earthy journey, and the answer is; probably … but he’s also inviting us to consider a whole lot more than just that.
He is telling us that we must be awake to the presence of God in our lives … right here and right now.
He is telling us that we must be aware of the tremendous opportunities that are in front of us each and every day.
Opportunities to build up or to pull down; opportunities to make the Kingdom of God very real; as the Our Lord says, “on earth as it is in heaven”.
Someday all of us will face the “sleep of death” and today’s Gospel is reminding us not to put things off and so to be left with regrets.
Because, then that time comes we will no longer be able to use the time God has given us to help the poor, visit the sick or feed the hungry.
On a more personal level; is there anyone you need to connect with to let them know of the loving impact they have had on your life;
be it a friend, sibling, son, daughter, husband or wife.
Equally important, is there someone with whom you need to have a heart -to-heart conversation about forgiveness?
Today gospel Jesus is telling us not to wait, not let the moment pass us by
because we never know when it will be too late to make whatever has been wrong in our lives right.
Of course, we also can’t live as if the end is already upon us; our only way is to live life fully in the present.
And if you’re thinking this Gospel message sounds a bit “harsh”; I mean what about “love thy neighbor” & sharing with others?
Jesus is reminding us there are some things we must do for ourselves, that there are some things in life that can’t be borrowed.
For example, we can’t borrow someone else’s patience or generosity; or someone else’s faith.
There are things we must do ourselves like; It is up to me to say the appreciative word, to be a caring presence in the world and to take responsibility for my actions.
It’s up to me to be in the present, because we never know, if we will pass this way again.
So, the question is, what can help us make the most of this life we have been given?
The answer can be found in today’s 1st reading, Wisdom, which is one of God’s gifts to humanity.
Yeah know, it’s one of life’s paradoxes that wisdom throws light on our strengths as well as our weaknesses.
But the wisdom we have culled from life, can become the treasury which can bring to bear on our present, with an eye to our future.
It is wisdom that enables us to figure out what is important and what is not. It is wisdom that can direct us to bring, “extra oil for lamps”.
It’s wisdom that cautions us to be vigilant, to be ready to adjust our plans.
And it’s wisdom that assures us that, while we may not know the exact time of the coming of the Lord, he will indeed come into every life; ready or not.
So, let’s listen to the Word of God … Jesus as we use, his wisdom, to be ready for life with Him … in Him … and through Him:
both in the now and for eternity. Amen and alleluia!
-Deacon Jim DeShane