THEME: TAKE HEED, WATCH AND PRAY
“To you, my God, I lift up my soul, I trust in you; let me never come to shame. Do not let my enemies laugh at me. No one who waits for you is ever put to shame” is our entrance antiphon for this first Sunday of Advent. It is a song of total abandonment of the Psalmist to God.
The Season of Advent which is the first season of catechesis is divided basically into two: The readings for the first Sunday of Advent– 16th December recalls the promise of a Messiah and at the same time focuses on the second coming of the Messiah as Judge. The readings from 17TH- 24TH December focuses on the first coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of the promise of this Messiah and the closest events before the coming of the Messiah (The Nativity).
In the first reading, the people of Israel were taking stock of their lives. This section of the book of the Prophet Isaiah is called Third Isaiah and it is called the Book of Restoration presupposing that the Israelites have just returned from exile. The prophet recounts the merciful deeds of God for his people in spite of their unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
What we read today is a prayer of penitence from the remnant who have returned from exile. Having recounted their evil deeds, they reminded God that “For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us, you O Lord are our Father, our Redeemer, from of old is your name” ( Isaiah 63:16).
The usual habit of man when he sins is to blame others. So the remnants complained “But you were angry and we sinned; because you hid yourself, we transgressed” (Isaiah 63:5). Adam and Eve did same. But in this inaction lies our frailties; our nothingness to come out of our sinful situation by our own strength. Our blame game must have as it basis an acknowledgement of the fact that God is all in all. This is the reason why Christ’s second coming is meaningful to us. This is because we cannot save ourselves from our wretchedness even though we brought it upon ourselves. Therefore, the prophets acknowledges “ We have all become like one who is unclean and all our righteous deeds are like filthy cloth…Yet you O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” ( Isaiah 64:6,8).
As we await the second coming of Christ and like the Israelites in the first reading, we are reminded that it is a time of stock taking. We must know that “God’s faithfulness is a burglar and a shield” (Psalm 91:4b). No situation is hopeless at all. If God will allow the remnants to return in spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness, then this season is indeed a joyful season; a season of hope.
In the Gospel reading, we are reminded about Christ’s second coming. Like the remnant of the people of Israel who were longing for God’s restoration, we are confronted with the reality of this restoration namely persecution and trials. But in this lies our victory.
To “watch” means to be alert, to stay at one’s best; to stay awake. The unsaved world scoffs at us because we continue to cling to what for them is an unrealistic “blessed hope” but he will return as he promised (cf 2Peter 3). That is why FAITH must accompany the action of staying awake. If faith is not at the very heart of what we are awaiting, then we are not different from our scoffers; we are the most pitiable of all people. Our task is to be faithful and to be busy, not to speculate about the hidden details of prophecy.
Watchfulness has nothing to do with going to heaven. It is purely a matter of pleasing Jesus, hearing his loving commendation and receiving His reward (cf Matthew 25:14-30). There is no suggestion here that when he returns, Jesus will take only the faithful to heaven and leave the others on earth to suffer the tribulation. We are his family and just as he promised us, he is preparing a home for us all, even the least unworthy (cf John 14:1-6). We go to heaven because of his grace, not because of our faithfulness or good works (cf Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Christians during the time Mark’s Gospel was written were facing persecution in Rome and all of the Roman Empire. Thus, St. Mark wrote to them to comfort, strengthen and encourage them. If God is able to help his people witness in such fierce persecutions, then He will surely give us the grace to do same in our world of fragile peace and empty promises.
While Christians today will not experience the terrible sufferings described in this chapter, we will have our share of the persecution and tribulation in this world if we are not already experiencing it, before the Lord returns (cf John 16:33; Acts 14:22).
In the second reading, St. Paul expresses profoundly his gratitude to God for the Graces He has bestowed on the Corinthian community. He assures them that God is faithful to his promises of making them constantly His own. In the same way, in the Ordinary Time of the Church’s Liturgical Year, the truth of our Faith was unraveled to us so that we can claim this promise that St. Paul today thanks God for. The Season of Advent is here with us again in which our faith is expounded to us so that we can relive it in the Ordinary Season. How far have we lived this faith experiences last year? Another opportunity avails itself this year.
In sum, whatever our challenges are today, the warnings of this message in Mark 13 may be applied to our own lives: “ Take heed that you are not deceived” ( cf Mark 13:5,23); “Take heed that you do not become discouraged and quit” ( Mark 13:9); “ Take heed, watch and pray” ( Mark 13:33) and “ What I say unto you, I say unto all, ‘ watch’ ( Mark 13:37). Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Homily for the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17/Psalm 23/ 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28/ Matt. 25:31-46
THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
THEME: YOU DID IT TO ME
The focus of today’s feast is to acknowledge the universal kingship of Jesus and his bid to hand over the kingdom to his father, so that God will be all in all. It must be emphasised that Christ’s kingship is a shepherd kingship as opposed to the political kingship the Jews expected and our kingship system today.
The first reading of today presents Jesus as a shepherd king, one who comes to judge his flock. It is as if the shepherds of Israel have failed in their duty as shepherds. He says “The Lord says this; I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view…” (Ezekiel 34: 11-12) As a shepherd king, his heart goes out for those sheep that are scattered in order to gather them.
We are presented with the qualities of a good shepherd; one who goes in search for the lost sheep. The good shepherd does not discriminate as regards race, colour, tribe, and status to mention but few. Indeed, he identifies with the vulnerable in society. (This idea is captured in the gospel reading of today). He says, “I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them.” This text already presupposes that Jesus had a fundamental option for the poor and vulnerable in society and this is the duty of every Christian especially the shepherd of God’s flock. Judgment then will be pronounced on those who fail to identify with the vulnerable.
The Psalmist identifies the shepherd as presented in the first reading, with the Lord. This shepherd does not only provide our needs but our wants; a shepherd who does not lord it over his flock but humbly preparing a table for his flock. Can you imagine Jesus putting on apron and serving you at table? This is the king we celebrate today. Indeed, Jesus is the hope of the hopeless.
The gospel reading presents to us vividly the criteria for judgment. It is how we treat the vulnerable namely the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry is that will grant us admittance into God’s presence.
The community that fails to care for its vulnerable is a recipe for disaster. The Church community is no exception. Indeed, Jesus makes it clear to us that it is the vulnerable who will guarantee our ticket to heaven. By way of example, he spent the greater part of his ministry bringing joy and hope to them. This is the example Jesus left the Church. How far have we lived the ideals?
The encyclical letter which brought about this feast called QUAS PRIMAS among other things has this to say to all the faithful of Christ, “The faithful, moreover, by meditating upon these truths, will gain much strength and courage, enabling them to form their lives after the true Christian ideal. If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls…”
The pope reminded all nations and their rulers of their duty in the following words, “Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults; for his kingly dignity demands that the State should take account of the commandments of God and of Christian principles, both in making laws and in administering justice, and also in providing for the young a sound moral education.”
Our faith is rooted firmly in Jesus of Nazareth who was declared a king at his execution. He was not a king who craved for power, nor a dictator who dominated and trampled underfoot those who encountered him. In his Kingdom, his poor subjects were cherished and loved; they were his friends, the little ones, his brothers and sisters who partook in his very life. Worldly kingdoms will come and go. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ will never pass away. Mother Teresa of Calcutta understood this clearly in his earthly mission as evidenced in the love she showed to the vulnerable of her days.
In conclusion, we must not resist his first coming and then we need not fear his second coming. Surely Christ is coming. Let us be free from anxieties. The man who is free from anxieties waits for the coming of the Lord without fear. What sort of Christ is it to be afraid of his coming? As the Liturgical Year comes to a close today, let us remember our standard of judgment will be how we have treated the vulnerable in our society. As the season of Advent begins, may we be watchful in prayer and render service to one another.
THEME: YOU DID IT TO ME
The focus of today’s feast is to acknowledge the universal kingship of Jesus and his bid to hand over the kingdom to his father, so that God will be all in all. It must be emphasised that Christ’s kingship is a shepherd kingship as opposed to the political kingship the Jews expected and our kingship system today.
The first reading of today presents Jesus as a shepherd king, one who comes to judge his flock. It is as if the shepherds of Israel have failed in their duty as shepherds. He says “The Lord says this; I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view…” (Ezekiel 34: 11-12) As a shepherd king, his heart goes out for those sheep that are scattered in order to gather them.
We are presented with the qualities of a good shepherd; one who goes in search for the lost sheep. The good shepherd does not discriminate as regards race, colour, tribe, and status to mention but few. Indeed, he identifies with the vulnerable in society. (This idea is captured in the gospel reading of today). He says, “I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them.” This text already presupposes that Jesus had a fundamental option for the poor and vulnerable in society and this is the duty of every Christian especially the shepherd of God’s flock. Judgment then will be pronounced on those who fail to identify with the vulnerable.
The Psalmist identifies the shepherd as presented in the first reading, with the Lord. This shepherd does not only provide our needs but our wants; a shepherd who does not lord it over his flock but humbly preparing a table for his flock. Can you imagine Jesus putting on apron and serving you at table? This is the king we celebrate today. Indeed, Jesus is the hope of the hopeless.
The gospel reading presents to us vividly the criteria for judgment. It is how we treat the vulnerable namely the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry is that will grant us admittance into God’s presence.
The community that fails to care for its vulnerable is a recipe for disaster. The Church community is no exception. Indeed, Jesus makes it clear to us that it is the vulnerable who will guarantee our ticket to heaven. By way of example, he spent the greater part of his ministry bringing joy and hope to them. This is the example Jesus left the Church. How far have we lived the ideals?
The encyclical letter which brought about this feast called QUAS PRIMAS among other things has this to say to all the faithful of Christ, “The faithful, moreover, by meditating upon these truths, will gain much strength and courage, enabling them to form their lives after the true Christian ideal. If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls…”
The pope reminded all nations and their rulers of their duty in the following words, “Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults; for his kingly dignity demands that the State should take account of the commandments of God and of Christian principles, both in making laws and in administering justice, and also in providing for the young a sound moral education.”
Our faith is rooted firmly in Jesus of Nazareth who was declared a king at his execution. He was not a king who craved for power, nor a dictator who dominated and trampled underfoot those who encountered him. In his Kingdom, his poor subjects were cherished and loved; they were his friends, the little ones, his brothers and sisters who partook in his very life. Worldly kingdoms will come and go. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ will never pass away. Mother Teresa of Calcutta understood this clearly in his earthly mission as evidenced in the love she showed to the vulnerable of her days.
In conclusion, we must not resist his first coming and then we need not fear his second coming. Surely Christ is coming. Let us be free from anxieties. The man who is free from anxieties waits for the coming of the Lord without fear. What sort of Christ is it to be afraid of his coming? As the Liturgical Year comes to a close today, let us remember our standard of judgment will be how we have treated the vulnerable in our society. As the season of Advent begins, may we be watchful in prayer and render service to one another.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31/Psalm 128/ 1 Thess 5:1-6/ Matt. 25:14-30
THEME: IN USING OUR GIFTS, GOD MULTIPLIES THEM
When the bridegroom comes, can he find us a faithful wife? Last week’s gospel reading reminded us about the coming of the bridegroom and called on us to go welcome him. However, we were not told who the bride was.
The first reading of today metaphorically presents to us the bride whom the writer of the book of Proverbs calls “A PERFECT WIFE?” The writer is aware of the qualities of a perfect wife and he spells them out vividly. The Church is that perfect bride by virtue of the fact that Jesus died for her. The Lord expects to come back and see her bride ready and as spotless as possible.
As the Liturgical year comes to a close, can Jesus say to us his bride (The Church), “A perfect wife, who can find?” How faithful have we been to our husband, Jesus?
It is only those who bear the imprint of a perfect wife who will be rewarded with salvation. Paul, in the second reading, used this image to warn believers not to be caught napping. Since we do not know when the Lord will return for his people, we must live in constant attitude of watching and waiting, while we are busy working and witnessing.
Paul emphasises that as believers, we know that the Lord is surely coming while unbelievers are living in constant ignorance of God’s plan. Are you a believer, yet living in constant ignorance of God’s plan? Then you are sure that that day will catch you like a thief. Staying awake means fulfilling our Christian obligation spelt out in the first reading namely support for the people, promoting justice and caring for the needy. This is the perfect wife Christ expects to find at his second coming.
The Gospel reading is a reminder to us all that God recognises our unique capabilities. As a good shepherd, he recognises our unique talents and abilities. Therefore, no one has any excuse whatsoever as far as his own contribution to his salvation is concerned.
We are reminded that the time for our accountability is imminent. The talent has been used metaphorically to represent our unique roles in building the body of Christ. It must be emphasised that everybody has a spot to do good.
It is obvious from the response of the master to the servants when they rendered their accounts that God does not burden us or allow us to be burdened beyond what we can bear. He gives us responsibilities taking cognizance of our human limitations yet he expects results from us. The Gospel writer puts it succinctly “Well done good and faithful servant, you have shown that you can be faithful in small things, I will entrust you with greater…” (Matthew 25:21).
It is the ordinary acts of love that will win us something great namely Heaven which is not a meritorious gift but a gratuitous one. The Catholic Hymn says it all
“Yes Heaven is the prize
my soul shall strive to gain,
one glimpse of paradise repays a life of pain” ( Hymn 212).
The attitude of the third servant leaves much to be desired. The lesson for us is that he who cannot fulfill his duties while on earth cannot as well fulfill his heavenly duty. Our life in heaven is already being measured by our life on earth. If heaven is the prize, then no risk is too much to attain it.
Who are we that God should entrust his property to us? “Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak in the world to shame the strong” (1Corinthians 1:26-27). This is the human being God has dignified.
There is an element of surprise in today's parable. From the beginning of today's parable, we are told that the master gave each slave a certain amount of money as pure gift. The master demonstrated a gratuitous generosity. The third slave pigeonholed his master and simply could not fathom that the master was being so generous. The slave seems to be basing his actions on some kind of strict or literal justice that enables him to justify his own miserly actions. In the end, the third slave loses everything.
The bridegroom expects of his bride the following virtues namely: her worth must be beyond pearls, she must be industrious, caring for the poor and needy, confident in her husband, and wise. Heaven is worth sacrificing your entire life for.
In sum, when we apply the concept of generosity to God and Jesus, a lesson emerges for us. When we truly understand and appreciate the greatness of God's gift to us in his Son Jesus, we experience a special freedom and gratitude, and we are willing to take risks. To do God's will becomes an enterprising, risk-taking adventure, based on God's gratuitous generosity, justice, mercy and boundless trust in human beings. Today's parable emphasizes actions and enterprise, and helps us to prepare the way for the great works of mercy and justice in the final judgment scene as presented to us next Sunday where Jesus will ask us whether we have put the beatitudes into action.
When the bridegroom comes, can he find us a faithful wife? Last week’s gospel reading reminded us about the coming of the bridegroom and called on us to go welcome him. However, we were not told who the bride was.
The first reading of today metaphorically presents to us the bride whom the writer of the book of Proverbs calls “A PERFECT WIFE?” The writer is aware of the qualities of a perfect wife and he spells them out vividly. The Church is that perfect bride by virtue of the fact that Jesus died for her. The Lord expects to come back and see her bride ready and as spotless as possible.
As the Liturgical year comes to a close, can Jesus say to us his bride (The Church), “A perfect wife, who can find?” How faithful have we been to our husband, Jesus?
It is only those who bear the imprint of a perfect wife who will be rewarded with salvation. Paul, in the second reading, used this image to warn believers not to be caught napping. Since we do not know when the Lord will return for his people, we must live in constant attitude of watching and waiting, while we are busy working and witnessing.
Paul emphasises that as believers, we know that the Lord is surely coming while unbelievers are living in constant ignorance of God’s plan. Are you a believer, yet living in constant ignorance of God’s plan? Then you are sure that that day will catch you like a thief. Staying awake means fulfilling our Christian obligation spelt out in the first reading namely support for the people, promoting justice and caring for the needy. This is the perfect wife Christ expects to find at his second coming.
The Gospel reading is a reminder to us all that God recognises our unique capabilities. As a good shepherd, he recognises our unique talents and abilities. Therefore, no one has any excuse whatsoever as far as his own contribution to his salvation is concerned.
We are reminded that the time for our accountability is imminent. The talent has been used metaphorically to represent our unique roles in building the body of Christ. It must be emphasised that everybody has a spot to do good.
It is obvious from the response of the master to the servants when they rendered their accounts that God does not burden us or allow us to be burdened beyond what we can bear. He gives us responsibilities taking cognizance of our human limitations yet he expects results from us. The Gospel writer puts it succinctly “Well done good and faithful servant, you have shown that you can be faithful in small things, I will entrust you with greater…” (Matthew 25:21).
It is the ordinary acts of love that will win us something great namely Heaven which is not a meritorious gift but a gratuitous one. The Catholic Hymn says it all
“Yes Heaven is the prize
my soul shall strive to gain,
one glimpse of paradise repays a life of pain” ( Hymn 212).
The attitude of the third servant leaves much to be desired. The lesson for us is that he who cannot fulfill his duties while on earth cannot as well fulfill his heavenly duty. Our life in heaven is already being measured by our life on earth. If heaven is the prize, then no risk is too much to attain it.
Who are we that God should entrust his property to us? “Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak in the world to shame the strong” (1Corinthians 1:26-27). This is the human being God has dignified.
There is an element of surprise in today's parable. From the beginning of today's parable, we are told that the master gave each slave a certain amount of money as pure gift. The master demonstrated a gratuitous generosity. The third slave pigeonholed his master and simply could not fathom that the master was being so generous. The slave seems to be basing his actions on some kind of strict or literal justice that enables him to justify his own miserly actions. In the end, the third slave loses everything.
The bridegroom expects of his bride the following virtues namely: her worth must be beyond pearls, she must be industrious, caring for the poor and needy, confident in her husband, and wise. Heaven is worth sacrificing your entire life for.
In sum, when we apply the concept of generosity to God and Jesus, a lesson emerges for us. When we truly understand and appreciate the greatness of God's gift to us in his Son Jesus, we experience a special freedom and gratitude, and we are willing to take risks. To do God's will becomes an enterprising, risk-taking adventure, based on God's gratuitous generosity, justice, mercy and boundless trust in human beings. Today's parable emphasizes actions and enterprise, and helps us to prepare the way for the great works of mercy and justice in the final judgment scene as presented to us next Sunday where Jesus will ask us whether we have put the beatitudes into action.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Wisdom 6:12-16/Psalm 63/ 1 Thess 4:13-18/ Matt. 25:1-13
THEME: TURN HIS DELAY INTO AN OPPORTUNITY
As we approach the Feast of Christ the King, it is obvious from the readings that Jesus Christ is the protagonist; the one we await; the king of kings. It is said that true wisdom comes to us when we realise how little we know about ourselves and the world around us. Therefore, let us search for the true wisdom so that in finding him, we discover our true self.
In the first reading the writer of the book of Wisdom presents to us wisdom personified. He says, “Wisdom is radiant and unfading and she is easily discerned by those who love her” (Wisdom 6:12). This means that wisdom cannot be hidden. It is something that is always evident for all to see. It is always brightening. Thus no one can have any excuse for not finding it.
Again, she is readily found by those who earnestly seek her. The only excuse one can give for not finding her is when one does not look for her.
Furthermore, it is not as if when we diligently look for her that by our own effort, we find him. The paradox is that “She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her” (Wisdom 6:13). The prophet Jeremiah reiterates this fact when he says, “When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me says the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
The wisdom makes herself available to us when we search for her is presented to us in the Gospel as Jesus Christ; the bridegroom that we all await; Jesus the wisdom of God. The Gospel writer reiterates the fact that due diligence must be applied by anyone who desires to meet the Lord.
There are many of us following Jesus today, professing our faith in Jesus but our dispositions and attitudes differ. Those virgins who did not bother to take additional oil perhaps presumed that the bridegroom will come at their own convenience. We are called upon to deal seriously with the sin of presumption as we await the universal king. Many will follow Jesus but not all who say Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do his will.
Just as in the first reading, wisdom walks about looking for those who are worthy of her and graciously shows herself to them, so in the gospel reading, though the maidens were asleep, it was the cry that the bridegroom is passing that woke them up. Indeed, the bridegroom could have passed by them without them knowing. This is to show us that in our search for Jesus, if we are sincere, it does not matter whether we are weighed down by our weaknesses or the anxieties of this life, he will let us find him.
When the bridegroom comes, it is those who are ready who will go with him. How ready are we? When the Lord comes, will he find us ready? How pitiable it will be for us when the door is closed. Being "ready" in today's Gospel meant for Matthew the performance of good works, but we know that there were other obligations to be fulfilled as well: abstinence from bad behavior (15:19); love of enemies (5:44); love of other Christians (24:12); forgiveness of those who have wronged us (18:21-35); bold faith (21:21); loyalty to Jesus (10:32); and love of God (22:37).
According to the Jewish custom at the time, the oil was made from olive. Perhaps, it is the same oil that is used in celebrating the sacraments namely the oil of Chrism and the oil of Catechumen. This means that we must always keep alive what we received during the celebration of the sacraments.
How often do we have our lamps with us, but no oil to burn in them? Blessed Teresa of Calcutta spoke about this:
"What are the oil lamps in our lives? They are the little everyday things:
faithfulness, punctuality, kind words, thoughtfulness of another person,
the way we are silent at times, the way we look at things,
the way we speak, the way we act. Those are the little drops of love
which make it possible for our life of faith to shine brightly."
Earlier in Matthew's Gospel, in the famous Sermon on Mount, the crowd was urged by Jesus to let their light shine so that people will see their good works and give praise to their Father in heaven (5:16). The "oil" in today's parable symbolizes good works and deeds. Wise people are vigilant, like the bridesmaids in the Gospel story who brought not only their lamps but also enough oil to last the night.
The point is to turn the delay into our advantage. Had the young girls shared their oil with each other, the outcome of this parable may have been different. However the point of the story is not about equitable distribution of goods, but something deeper. Precisely because the time of the arrival of the bridegroom is uncertain, it is even more necessary that one stand in a state of readiness to welcome him. In other words, Matthew tries to change the very source of the problem: the delay of the end and the return of Christ- into an advantage. The delay itself is meant to sharpen our hope. The delay itself calls us and moves us to a greater fidelity, vigilance and love.
The Psalmist gives us an example of one who seeks for the wisdom of God namely Jesus Christ. He longs for it like a dry weary land without water. Even on his bird at night he remembers the Lord. This should be the Christian attitude. Every moment of our life must be to search for the Lord.
In conclusion, our decision to follow the Lord must be backed by action. Our decision must be action oriented namely having the right disposition and attitude towards the king we are awaiting. Some of us are still at the decision stage marking time. Surely he is coming and when he comes will he find us ready?
As we approach the Feast of Christ the King, it is obvious from the readings that Jesus Christ is the protagonist; the one we await; the king of kings. It is said that true wisdom comes to us when we realise how little we know about ourselves and the world around us. Therefore, let us search for the true wisdom so that in finding him, we discover our true self.
In the first reading the writer of the book of Wisdom presents to us wisdom personified. He says, “Wisdom is radiant and unfading and she is easily discerned by those who love her” (Wisdom 6:12). This means that wisdom cannot be hidden. It is something that is always evident for all to see. It is always brightening. Thus no one can have any excuse for not finding it.
Again, she is readily found by those who earnestly seek her. The only excuse one can give for not finding her is when one does not look for her.
Furthermore, it is not as if when we diligently look for her that by our own effort, we find him. The paradox is that “She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her” (Wisdom 6:13). The prophet Jeremiah reiterates this fact when he says, “When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me says the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
The wisdom makes herself available to us when we search for her is presented to us in the Gospel as Jesus Christ; the bridegroom that we all await; Jesus the wisdom of God. The Gospel writer reiterates the fact that due diligence must be applied by anyone who desires to meet the Lord.
There are many of us following Jesus today, professing our faith in Jesus but our dispositions and attitudes differ. Those virgins who did not bother to take additional oil perhaps presumed that the bridegroom will come at their own convenience. We are called upon to deal seriously with the sin of presumption as we await the universal king. Many will follow Jesus but not all who say Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do his will.
Just as in the first reading, wisdom walks about looking for those who are worthy of her and graciously shows herself to them, so in the gospel reading, though the maidens were asleep, it was the cry that the bridegroom is passing that woke them up. Indeed, the bridegroom could have passed by them without them knowing. This is to show us that in our search for Jesus, if we are sincere, it does not matter whether we are weighed down by our weaknesses or the anxieties of this life, he will let us find him.
When the bridegroom comes, it is those who are ready who will go with him. How ready are we? When the Lord comes, will he find us ready? How pitiable it will be for us when the door is closed. Being "ready" in today's Gospel meant for Matthew the performance of good works, but we know that there were other obligations to be fulfilled as well: abstinence from bad behavior (15:19); love of enemies (5:44); love of other Christians (24:12); forgiveness of those who have wronged us (18:21-35); bold faith (21:21); loyalty to Jesus (10:32); and love of God (22:37).
According to the Jewish custom at the time, the oil was made from olive. Perhaps, it is the same oil that is used in celebrating the sacraments namely the oil of Chrism and the oil of Catechumen. This means that we must always keep alive what we received during the celebration of the sacraments.
How often do we have our lamps with us, but no oil to burn in them? Blessed Teresa of Calcutta spoke about this:
"What are the oil lamps in our lives? They are the little everyday things:
faithfulness, punctuality, kind words, thoughtfulness of another person,
the way we are silent at times, the way we look at things,
the way we speak, the way we act. Those are the little drops of love
which make it possible for our life of faith to shine brightly."
Earlier in Matthew's Gospel, in the famous Sermon on Mount, the crowd was urged by Jesus to let their light shine so that people will see their good works and give praise to their Father in heaven (5:16). The "oil" in today's parable symbolizes good works and deeds. Wise people are vigilant, like the bridesmaids in the Gospel story who brought not only their lamps but also enough oil to last the night.
The point is to turn the delay into our advantage. Had the young girls shared their oil with each other, the outcome of this parable may have been different. However the point of the story is not about equitable distribution of goods, but something deeper. Precisely because the time of the arrival of the bridegroom is uncertain, it is even more necessary that one stand in a state of readiness to welcome him. In other words, Matthew tries to change the very source of the problem: the delay of the end and the return of Christ- into an advantage. The delay itself is meant to sharpen our hope. The delay itself calls us and moves us to a greater fidelity, vigilance and love.
The Psalmist gives us an example of one who seeks for the wisdom of God namely Jesus Christ. He longs for it like a dry weary land without water. Even on his bird at night he remembers the Lord. This should be the Christian attitude. Every moment of our life must be to search for the Lord.
In conclusion, our decision to follow the Lord must be backed by action. Our decision must be action oriented namely having the right disposition and attitude towards the king we are awaiting. Some of us are still at the decision stage marking time. Surely he is coming and when he comes will he find us ready?
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