November 07, 2011
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Young girls get excited before a wedding especially when they are part of the wedding party. Weddings were special events at the time of Jesus. We do not understand all the customs but the parable today suggests a role for virgins or young girls of anticipating the coming of the bridegroom by holding lamps or torches. 5 have sufficient oil to keep the lamps burning. 5 do not. When the signal is given that the groom will soon arrive, the five foolish ones ask the wise ones to share their oil. The wise five refuse. We may ask: "Why do they refuse to share the oil?" Does oil in the parable have meaning beyond the obvious? Does oil speak of the integrity and fidelity that we all must personally have and exhibit when Jesus comes into our lives unexpectedly? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "Let your light shine before men, so they may see your good deeds and give glory to God." In two weeks, we will hear Jesus speak of the Son of Man coming to judge the kingdoms of the world. We will be judged on what we have done or on what we have failed to do to the least of our sisters and brothers. Before Jesus comes in glory at the end time, he is already present, disguised in the poor, hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, homeless and naked people who are part of our world today. When we extend empathy and compassion to them, we do it unto Christ.
Previous:
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
