Thirty Second Sunday of the Year, A – November 12, 2023.
Readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2.3-4.5-6-8(R.2b);
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Gospel Matthew 25:1-13.
Theme: The Oil of Readiness
Sunday Synopsis
In our first reading, wisdom is presented as a lady – bright, available, and approachable. In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the eternal wisdom of what is to come. He stresses that those who are alive until the Lord’s coming will not have advantage over those who have died. The gospel tells the parable of the ten virgins – it brings to the fore the theme of “readiness” and “vigilance.” We are urged to carry the oil of readiness and not behave like the foolish virgins who did not place a high premium on time and had to pay the price for dillydallying.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, as the Church’s Liturgical Calendar draws to a close, the theme of “readiness” and “vigilance” stares us in the face. We recall the closing words of the gospel: “So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
Background and Summary of the Readings
In our first reading (Wisdom 6:12-16), wisdom is presented as a lady – bright, available and approachable: She is a bright light which permeates the hearts of all – She does not grow dim. She is available from morning to night assisting those in any kind of trouble. Lady Wisdom is approachable as she walks about seeking those who are worthy of her. Accordingly, she cuts across the thoughts of all.
In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), St. Paul speaks about the eternal wisdom of what is to come. By expounding the theology of eschatology, the Pauline literature not only remind us about the resurrection of the dead, but it equally states that those who are alive until the Lord’s coming will not have advantage over those who have died.
The gospel (Matthew 25:1-13) tells the parable of the ten virgins. It brings to the fore the theme of “readiness” and “vigilance.” The 5 foolish virgins did not place a high premium on time – they thought they had all the time in the world; they were not vigilant and so, the bridegroom took them unawares. They had to pay a high price for dillydallying – the door was closed, and the Lord said: “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.”
Pastoral Lessons
- Live worthy lives: Since wisdom is bright, available and approachable to all, we must heed her call to live lives worthy of the gospel.
- Inspire others: Since wisdom is available from morning to night, assisting those in any kind of trouble, we must not allow the light of Christ grow dim in our lives by obliging her through opening the gate of our hearts to inspire others.
- Embrace values of the kingdom: We must be seen to embrace the eternal wisdom which St. Paul speaks about namely embracing values of the life of the world to come.
- Change for good: By expounding the theology of eschatology, the Pauline literature not only remind us about the resurrection of the dead; it also stresses that we have no advantage over those who have died except if we cease the opportunity to change for good.
- Be vigilant: The parable of the ten virgins brings to the fore the theme of “readiness and vigilance” (Cf. (Matthew 25:13) urging us to use our time, talent, and treasure while we are young and agile lest the door be closed on us at the end of our lives or time.
Summary Lines
- In our first reading, wisdom is presented as a lady – bright, available and approachable.
- In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the eternal wisdom of what is to come.
- Those who are alive until the Lord’s coming will not have advantage over those who have died.
- The gospel tells the parable of the ten virgins – it brings to the fore the theme of “readiness” and “vigilance.”
- The 5 foolish virgins did not place a high premium on time – They had to pay a high price for dillydallying.
Conclusion
Our pilgrim journey here on earth can be likened to a staff on probation. A staff on probation who acts wisely would hold extra oil to be permanented. An unwise staff on probation is like the 5 foolish virgins who were carried away by other mundane interests and did not take extra oil. We must, wise-up by using our probation period well. The last four things – death, judgment, heaven, and hell signal the second coming of Christ. Jesus insists that we must stand ready for his return in glory. The only medicine for what shall happen to our souls is preparedness. Death comes unannounced, like a thief in the night (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:2). We pray God to spare us from an untimely death – May the Holy Spirit help us to always be vigilant. Amen.
