11/12/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
1 “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
3 The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,
4 but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
10 While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.
11 Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’
12 But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

11/12/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 25:1-13

The parable of the ten virgins is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared to meet the Lord either in our unexpected death or in His unexpected Second Coming. It is telling us to do what is necessary so that when we meet Him face to face, we can be confident that He will welcome us into His eternal Kingdom. So how do we prepare? There are three suggestions and they all start with the letter S.

1. Speak to God always. Pray often and do not grow weary (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). Prayer is the oil that keeps the lamp burning. Without prayer, our life is in darkness. We become weak and we forget our spiritual journey – that is we forget altogether that there is God. Without prayer, we are cut off from the vine and our life becomes dry, ready for throwing and burning. On the other hand, with constant prayer, we are always filled with hope, joy, and peace.

2. Study the Word of God. The bible contains everything there is to know about how to live a life that is pleasing to God. Studying it gives us “the way, the truth and the life”. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrew 4:12)” Moreover, the Old Testament says,”Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)” Indeed, the Word of God shows us the right path towards meeting the Lord.

3. Serve the Lord and other people. There is no better way to live a fruitful life than giving service to God and His people. Jesus said that He had come to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:28,Mark 10:45,John 13:1-17). Let us imitate Him. That is why, while waiting for our unknown time to meet the Lord, let us be busy serving one another. The scripture says, “Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing his work when he returns. (Matthew 24:46)” The Lord would indeed be happy to see us serving in His vineyard, planting the seeds of goodness, removing the weeds of hatred and injustice, watering the plants of faith and hope and harvesting the crop of righteousness.

Therefore, let us not grow weary and fall asleep while waiting for the Lord. Let us keep our lamp burning through prayers, bible study, and showing love through service.

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