By Pritam Dangwar csc.
Readings: Wis 6:12-16; 1 Thess 4;13-18; Mt 25:1-13
The liturgy of the word invites all of us to be watchful and be prepared to face all circumstances of life. The first reading tells us about wisdom which is easily discerned by those who seek, love, and desire to have her. We know that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God and those who long for him will find him.
The gospel reading presents the parable of ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Among the ten virgins five were wise, and five were foolish. The wise virgins had extra oil with them, they trimmed their lamps, and when the bridegroom came, they went with him to the wedding feast. Jesus told this parable to remind us of the need for preparing ourselves for his second coming. This parable also highlights the importance of being wise in accepting the Lord as the foundation of our lives.
The second reading speaks about the life to come after our biological death. The wise people believe in eternal life with Christ and show commitment in living the present life with the extra oil of righteousness. May we grow in the awareness that the preparedness and wise living in Christ will assure us a place in the heavenly banquet.