Wisdom 6:12-16
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 
Matthew 25:1-13

Preparedness

We are reminded in the Sunday readings to always be alert and ready. The first reading speaks of seeking wisdom and being ready for her at dawn. The second reading tells us that death is not the end and that we will rise in Christ Jesus. In the gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five who were ready when their master arrived and five who were not.

Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians is the earliest writing in the New Testament written approximately twenty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. As the members of that community await Jesus’ return, doubts begin to arise as people are dying before Jesus returns. Paul assures them. 

“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words.”

Even in our own time, we know neither the day nor the time God will call us home to eternal life. The gospel parable reminds us that whenever that day comes we must be ready. While we wait for our own death or the second coming of the Lord, we should be prepared by living each day as if it were our last. Just as the virgins in the gospel parable needed oil in their lamps, so too, we need to fill ourselves with love and compassion. We need to pray, study, love, do the works of mercy, and keep vigil. In so doing, we will be ready for the arrival of the Bridegroom.

It is the wise person who knows herself or himself, who knows what is truly important to live a good life. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom is clear about that.

“Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he [or she]shall find her sitting by the gate. For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care;  because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude.“

I doubt that many of us pray for wisdom every day, but in reality, it is a prayer that we should make because of its importance in our lives. Wisdom helps us to know what is important for our good and that of others. Loving God, ourselves and others is just the beginning of living a good life. A good life also includes knowing that God is with us at all times, especially when we touch those who are hurting in any way – the hungry, the stranger, the sick, those needing encouragement. We will recognize Jesus’ presence every time we reach out to others.

When the end of our life does come, we will have few regrets if we live each day as if it were our last. Like the unwise virgins, you can’t borrow the good works of others. Be like the wise virgins that keep their lamps filled with oil. Be prepared to meet the Bridegroom when he comes today and at the end of your life!

What can I do to be more prepared for the coming of the Lord?

Where do I seek wisdom?

What do I consider important to live a good life?