Each week, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings for the Feast of All Saints.
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, and Advent is just around the corner, the Lord is asking us to reflect on our own eternal future.
Jesus uses the story of the 10 virgins, the bridesmaids for his wedding, as a springboard to make us think about our own preparedness for his return.
It appears that these 10 women were waiting with the bride at her father’s house to celebrate her wedding. But the groom, for some unknown reason, was delayed.
As it grew dark outside the women (and presumably many others) fell asleep inside the home. But at midnight, the call was heard in a distance that the groom was finally arriving. Talk about a wedding that didn’t start on time!
So, as it was customary, the bridesmaids got ready to go out and greet the groom. Five of the bridesmaids were wise and were ready with extra oil to fuel their lamps. Five of the bridesmaids were foolish and did not have enough oil to last until his return.
So, the foolish virgins asked the wise ones to lend them some oil. But that could put the whole wedding party in jeopardy. So, the wise ones told the foolish ones to go into town to purchase extra oil for themselves. Unfortunately there was not enough time left. By the time the foolish virgins had purchased the oil, the wedding feast had already begun and the door to it had been locked.
In this life, we often find ourselves unprepared. We run out of gas on a cold and rainy night. Our mobile phone drops an important call because our battery is not charged. But in our spiritual lives, we must not take such risks. We must be ready with enough oil to meet the Lord, because we do not know the day nor the hour of his return.
But, what is this necessary oil that Jesus is mentioning in the Gospel? Some have likened it to faith; others to good works. In any case we learn that there are some things that we cannot borrow from others. I can’t borrow someone else’s goodness and add it to mine. And I cannot borrow someone else’s faith and claim it as my own. I was laughing this morning when I was thinking about the fact that some things can’t be borrowed from others: I can watch all the exercise videos I want, but unless I exercise myself, I will never become fit. This is also true of spiritual health. I must pursue it on my own even if I also need the help of others.
When the Lord comes, I will have what I have. I cannot borrow it from someone else. The Lord will ask about my faith, my charitableness. That is the oil that is meant to light the way for the Lord’s return to us. That is the preparation that we need for the Lord’s coming to us,
Reflect on the words of St. Augustine: “Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works...make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out...renew them with the inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of his love and bring you into his banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished.”
God bless you and those you love. Have a blessed week everyone!