Sunday, 12 November 2023. Wisdom 6:12-16, Ps. 63:2-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13
“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
Last Sunday, Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees for refusing to practice what they taught. We must constantly examine ourselves lest we become signboards leading others to the light but remaining in darkness. Today, Jesus gave us a parable about ten virgins supposed to be light bearers at a wedding ceremony.
Five of these virgins acted foolishly by carrying lamps without flasks of oil. Indeed, when we fail to practice what we preach, we are like these foolish virgins. Where and how did these virgins get it wrong? What mistakes did they make? How do we avoid repeating these mistakes?
1. They cared more about their appearance.
The foolish virgins were so busy trying to look good that they forgot to check if the oil in their lamps would be enough. Some Christians come late to Mass because they spent hours before the mirror. Like the scribes and Pharisees Jesus condemned, some of us are more interested in how we look than in how God sees us.
When Nathan saw how good-looking the sons of Jesse were, he was about to anoint the most handsome when God stopped him, saying: “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7-8). Looking good is good business, but if we are more concerned about our looks than our salvation, we will end up in hell.
Stop being concerned about your looks only. Make Wisdom your priority: “She is easily discerned by those who love her and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her. He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.” (Wisdom 6:12-14). When last did you pick up a book to read? How often do you read the Bible to seek wisdom?
2. They thought there was time.
The second mistake of the foolish virgins was their assumption that they would easily get oil to buy and return before the door would be shut. This is the lesson Jesus teaches us today: Never assume you have time. “Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Death can happen at any time. Old age is not certain. Now is all you have. Repent! Begin to walk as a child of the light now. Instead of wishing for a long life, pray to be in a state of grace so that whenever death comes, you will be at peace with yourself and with God.
Never put on till tomorrow that which you can do today. Do not assume there will be time to repent. Today is all you have; make the best of this moment. St. Paul’s words in today’s second reading are quite familiar because we hear them repeated anytime we attend a funeral. They are words of consolation, but they also spell out the reality of our mortality. As much as we should not weep over the dead like faithless people, we should also know that it will be our turn one day.
3. They relied on their past.
We do not know how long it took for these foolish virgins to buy oil, but when they returned, they called: “Lord, Lord, open to us.” The Master of the Feast heard their voices, but given the time of the night, he said: “I do not know you.” The foolish virgins felt that since they had been admitted once into the banquet hall, they would be admitted again. They were relying on their past.
Some Christians hold onto the false doctrine of “once saved, forever saved.” If you think that because you are baptised and confirmed or because you were close to God in the past, you no longer need to make efforts to be good, you are making a serious mistake. Perhaps this was the mistake of the scribes and Pharisees who refused to practice what they preached. Do not relax spiritually. Instead, work out your salvation in fear and trembling. (Cf. Psalm 2:8)
Hear what God says: “When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and does the same abominable things that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds shall be remembered; for the treachery he is guilty and the sin he has committed, he shall die.”(Ezekiel 18:24). Is your lamp still burning? Today, our Psalmist sings: “For you, my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God.” Is your soul still thirsting for God as it did when you became a Christian? Don’t assume your past will save you.
4. They relied on the charity of others
When the announcement came that the bridegroom was near, the first thing the foolish virgins did was to beg the wise ones for oil. However, the wise ones refused to help. One may argue that these wise virgins were uncharitable, but the message Jesus is passing us is, "There are some things that cannot be shared.” If you know what is right, do it. There is no point saying: “Someone will bail me out if I am in trouble.”
We live in a country where people break the rules just because they know they have someone who knows someone who can talk to someone on their behalf. For instance, if my father is a prayer warrior, very holy and God-fearing, and I decide to be a wayward child, my father’s grace will not cover for me when I stand before God in judgment.
Conclusion: Go the Extra Mile (Take some Extra Oil).
The greatest mistake of the foolish virgins was their lack of preparation. They knew there might be delays but did not expect such a long delay; they failed to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the bridegroom had come earlier, there would have been no need for the extra oil. No one is sure when the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, will return. For now, we must act wisely by taking extra oil. Some believe that there is no life after death. I have heard many preach that the concepts of heaven and hell are simply myths created to put fear in the minds of Christians. Isn’t it better to be prepared for heaven than to die and discover it truly exists?
If Jesus could accept baptism to fulfil all righteousness, it means there is no room for the mediocre Christian in heaven. We must avoid minimalism when it comes to our spiritual lives. Don’t just try to do your best; strive for sainthood. Be exceptional at everything you do. Challenge yourself each day to be better, holier and wiser. Never settle for less. As Jesus admonishes us: “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the wisdom to conquer death even before my time. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Wisdom 6:12-16, Ps. 63:2-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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