Sunday Reflections

Another thought-provoking parable that justifies a yearly visit.  We are all tasked with being bridesmaids.  A bridesmaid for the most important wedding at the end of our life here on earth. 

First, we don’t know when this will happen as “the bridegroom was delayed”.  But we need to be ready when we are called.  We need to ensure that we have “oil for our lamp”.  The lamp lights our way, while the oil is fuel needed for the light.  So, our question, every day is do we have enough oil and where do we get the oil from.  How are we choosing to live our lives?  Are we in communion with God?

Inevitably, we will grow drowsy and sleep.  All the distractions of this world lead to this.  Do we have the job we would like?  Do we have the things that we cherish?  Are we pre-occupied with health or money issues?  Do we fill our days with so much that we leave no time to be still and talk with God? 

We will succumb to these distractions, not once, but throughout our earthly lives.  What strategies will we employ to set them aside, re-focusing on ensuring we have enough oil for our journey from this life to the next?

This story further reminds us that after we are called to the banquet, it’s too late to “top-up” our oil, regardless of knowing where to “get more oil” and how to “pay for it”.

Also today’s first reading reminds us that the oil is wisdom.  We need to continually “seek her”, for “She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her”.  Our desire is not just initiated internally but also comes from the grace of God.  Grace that we need to just ask for. 

It’s good to be reminded that “we know neither the day, nor the hour” when we will be called.