PREPARED TO WELCOME THE LORD

XXXII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 25:1-13

The first reading is about wisdom, given to those who look for it and love her: “By those who love her she is readily seen and found by those who look for her.” Wisdom is a gift from God, but a gift that must be searched for with all heart. Jesus would say that the Father will “give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:13).

Speaking about wisdom, we may confuse it with knowledge, but they are not the same. Knowledge is obtained mainly by effort, studying hard to learn about the most varied subjects. And those subjects may have very little or nothing to do with our lives. Wisdom is proven and tested in life; it enables us to deal with real life so that we situate ourselves in life with others. To manifest itself, wisdom needs to find a listening heart and a willingness to guide our behaviour by its principles.

The parable of the ten bridesmaids serves to illustrate the contrast between wisdom and foolishness. Apparently, there is very little to differentiate between the two groups. Both of them were entrusted with the same task, which was to wait for the bridegroom and to welcome him. Then, something happened, which is quite common in weddings: he was late. In fact, he was very late.  Before that unexpected situation, both wise and foolish reacted in the same manner: "They all grew drowsy and fell asleep.” And all of them had to be woken up to prepare themselves to accompany the groom. It was then that the difference between the two groups came to the fore. The wise had thought about the possibility of a long wait and prepared themselves accordingly, taking extra oil for their lamps. They were prepared for any unexpected situation, thus being ready for any delay. The foolish ones did not think about or prepare for any eventuality. We may ask what the oil represents. The oil reminds us of the anointing that was done on kings and priests, and we remember the Anointed One, that is, the Messiah (Christ) who was anointed with the Holy Spirit. We need to be anointed with the Holy Spirit to keep our faith and our hope alive and to excel in love. The oil represents as well the light of faith that brightens the paths of our life, keeping us faithful to the end.

It came to my mind a passage from the letter to the Ephesians that may be connected to the parable of the bridesmaids:

Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ep 6:11).

Among the weapons to be used, Paul mentions the shield of faith and "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit.” (Ep 6:16-18). And then, we will be ready to welcome the Lord whenever he comes.