GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Have you ever gotten up early to watch the sunrise? It certainly takes commitment! One has to go to bed early and set an alarm, then get up in the stillness of the early hours before stepping outside. Although catching a glimpse of the sun peeking over the horizon can be a magical moment, our first reading tells us that finding wisdom is far better. It says wisdom is “readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.” In other words, it takes commitment. Persistence. Active involvement. Just like getting up before the break of dawn to catch the sunrise. If we want our lives to be shaped by wisdom, we must actively seek her. And Scripture promises that “whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”
GO EVANGELIZE
Our Gospel today offers a parable of individuals (wise virgins) who are ready to wake up at midnight to meet the Lord when he comes. But not everyone in the parable is so prepared. Upon discovering they would not have enough oil, the foolish virgins ask the wise ones to share theirs. The wise virgins say no, telling them to go and buy some for themselves. At first glance, one may wonder why the wise virgins wouldn’t share theirs. Are they being selfish? But another important detail in the text gives us further perspective: we read that the bridegroom was “long delayed” in his return. What this suggests is that the foolish virgins had all the time in the world to go and buy the oil they needed. And yet they procrastinated doing the one thing necessary to be ready when the bridegroom arrived. Through the years, the Church has read this text as a reminder that we can’t put off conversion, deluding ourselves into thinking that we still have time to get right with God. In reality, the time for repentance is now.
INVITATION
This week, consider making a commitment to fast from hitting the snooze button. Offer up this sacrifice for someone whose conversion to the Lord you are earnestly praying for. And may this simple act also help you to overcome, with the assistance of God’s grace, any procrastination that may be subtly taking root in your heart so you will be ready to meet the Lord when he comes again.
By The Faithful Disciple