November 8, 2020: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’

“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.

“Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Reflection

Consider this week’s Gospel a wakeup call, no pun intended. This parable is calling us to evaluate where we are in our spiritual life. It tells of those waiting for the bridegroom – the ones who were prepared for a long wait and those who were not.

What does that mean to me and my faith life? I certainly have no idea when Jesus will return. Am I waiting without being prepared? Am I too busy in my daily life to spend time visiting my spiritual life? I want to be one of those who greets Him singing and dancing on His return. I don’t want to be one He says He does not know.

Action

How is God calling you to use your gifts today? What can you do to prepare yourself for the celebration of His return?