32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Scriptures in these last weeks of the liturgical year remind us that things will come to an end: both our lives and the world.  Christ will come in glory at the end of the world, and when we die, whenever that will be, Christ will stand.  The question, then, is: are we ready?

The parable of the bridesmaids waiting for the Bridegroom features some young women who are ready and others who are not.  Those who are ready are all set.  They had fallen asleep, but have what they need when it is time.  They are welcomed into the celebration.  But those who are ready, who lack the oil to join in the procession, miss out.  It is too late. The door is closed.  They are turned away.

Both the first reading from the book of Wisdom and Jesus’ parable point out the necessity of wisdom.  Wisdom provides a certain knowledge that enables the wise to be aware of what is important and what is essential.  Wisdom empowers them to make sound judgments.  Wisdom also makes them prudent, so that they can act with care and thought for the future.  The wise have foresight that allows them to see what will happen and what will be needed in various situations that may arise.  The wise are indeed blessed. 

Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit; as Christians we are given wisdom, but we need to accept it and use it.  God wants us to be wise and will continue to pour out wisdom on those who seek it.  When we act wisely, we will grow in virtue and holiness and will follow the paths God would have us walk.  Like the wise virgins, those who are wise need not fear when the time comes to stand before the Bridegroom.

The oil in the parable is a symbol of what is needed to be pleasing to the Lord: a life of prayer, good deeds done to those in need, kindness and love for all.  We believe and hope and trust in God, as we seek to align our will with God’s will.  People with such gifts have begged the Lord for them and have cooperated with God’s grace and have them in service of others.  Like the oil that the wise virgins had, such holiness cannot be shared with others, such as the foolish virgins, who have neither desired it, nor worked for it.

Those who will not be prepared for the coming of the bridegroom are certainly foolish, but they are lazy as well.  Seeking holiness is not easy.  It demands discipline and persistence and the decision to get up and start again after every fall.  The foolish way is always the easy way.  While wisdom is rewarding, it is demanding as well.

Although it may seem morbid to some, we ought to consider the end of our lives.  When everything is over, will we have done our best with what God gave us?  Will we have lived for the Lord or for ourselves?  Ask the questions.  Consider what is needed.  Then go to God and ask for wisdom and prudence.  Ask for humility and holiness.  Above all, ask for love, both to know it and to show it.  With God, it is never too late to start again.