MY daily reflection and prayer:
Friday, August 28, 2015
Memorial of St. Augustine
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus Christ says, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
FROM the Gospel today we learn that being unprepared can lead us to unnecessary trouble and even disaster! Jesus’ story today seems strange to most of us. But Jesus’ audience knew all too well how easily this could happen to them.
In ancient Palestine wedding customs required extra vigilance and preparation for everyone involved. The bride and groom did not go away for their honeymoon, but celebrated for a whole week with their family and friends.
It was the custom for the groom, in company with his friends, to come and get his bride and bring her to their new home. They would take the longest route possible so that many villagers along the way could join in the wedding procession. Once they arrived and closed the doors, no one else could be admitted. If the groom decided to come and bring his bride at night, then lights were required by necessity to guide the travelers through the dark and narrow streets. No one was allowed on the village streets at night without a lamp!
With his story, Jesus wants to warn us that there are consequences for being unprepared to accept his coming. When Jesus comes to lead us to his heavenly banquet we have to be ready to hear his voice and follow him.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, we learn to prepare to welcome Jesus Christ to our lives face to face. There he invites us to feast at his heavenly banquet table. We will not be prepared to meet him when he calls us on the day of judgment, unless we listen to him today.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, make us vigilant and attentive to your voice that we may heed your call at all times. May we find joy in your presence and delight in doing your will now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
