Posted by The WORD in other words (2017) by Father Emil Pati SVD – Bangued Abra SVD
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
In most of the weddings I have solemnized, the bride arrive late, sometimes by thirty minutes or more. Very rarely have I seen the groom arrive late. In fact, there have been times when the groom was already at the church well ahead of me.
Today’s Gospel presents us with a different story. The bridegroom’s arrival was long delayed. When his coming was finally announced, the ten bridesmaids were revealed as belonging to two groups: the wise and the foolish. The wise were those who had brought extra oil with their lamps, while the foolish were those who had not. When the bridegroom finally arrived, “those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him” (Matthew 25:10).
In our long journey through life, there are times when we become foolish because of our lack of foresight. We tend to be content with what is merely sufficient. This is the “pwede na” mentality: as long as there is something, “Okay na, content na tayo.” We settle for what is enough and no longer strive for something better. Unfortunately, this attitude may prevent us from seeking one of the most important things we can possess in life: wisdom.
The first reading presents Wisdom as a beautiful personification, available to all who seek her:“Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her” (Wisdom 6:12). Wisdom gives us the foresight and prudence represented by the five wise virgins who were prepared when the bridegroom arrived.
Jesus, therefore, invites us in today’s Gospel to develop a forward-looking disposition in life and prudently choose what is truly important. Wisdom means choosing what is necessary to prepare ourselves for the Kingdom of God. The Gospel concludes with a clear reminder: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
As we draw closer to the end of the liturgical year, the Church, through the scriptural readings, invites us to reflect on the coming of the Lord. How and when that will happen, we do not know. Scripture simply tells us, “Stay awake and be ready!” (cf. Matthew 24:42, 44). Today, however, we are shown the way to prepare through the example of the five wise virgins. In this way, we confidently pray the Serenity Prayer: “O God, give us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to change what can be changed, and the wisdom to know the one from the other.”
Like them, we need foresight, vigilance, and perseverance in good works to keep the lamp of our faith burning. We seek God’s grace in prayer while faithfully doing what is entrusted to us. Saint Augustine’s advice becomes very handy: “Pray as though everything depends on God and act as though everything depends on you.”
That is the best way to make ourselves ready and prepared for the Lord, whenever he chooses to come. May we therefore seek the wisdom that enables us to keep our lamps burning and to be ready to welcome him. Amen.
