Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Jim Risse, SVD – Divine Word College of Vigan
Friday 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Walking to the campus ministry office, it is easy to predict when students have exams — noses buried in notes, deadlines looming. Procrastination is a common fault, often with disastrous results. Many want to enjoy life now, promising to change later. Even St. Augustine admitted: “Lord, make me good… but not yet.” Wasting time is wasting ourselves.
Jesus reminds us repeatedly in the Gospel to be prepared for both the end of the world and our own death. “You do not know on what day your Lord is coming… the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:42-44). Death may come suddenly, “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). How we live is usually how we die: “As the tree leans, so it will fall.”
William Barclay’s analysis of this parable of the 10 virgins in today’s Gospel (Mt 25:1-13) highlights two truths:
- Some things take time — Studying, expressing gratitude, or deepening a relationship with God cannot be done instantaneously. In case of sudden death, there may not be time for last rites or even an act of contrition.
- Certain things cannot be borrowed — You cannot borrow another’s relationship with God. Having a pious mother, spouse, or priest in the family is not enough. Each of us must cultivate our own faith and fidelity.
Those who were prepared were wise; those unprepared were foolish. God’s ways may seem foolish to the world, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25). True wisdom is to live ready — watchful, faithful, and steadfast.
The Gospel challenges us to live each day as if it were our last, not in fear but in readiness. To be prepared means to live faithfully now, not later. It means cultivating a relationship with God that cannot be borrowed, and practicing justice, mercy, and love daily.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he comes” (Matthew 24:46).
