Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (II) (26th August, 2016) on the
Gospel
1Cor 1:17-25;
Ps 32:1-2.4-5.10-11. (R. v. 5);Matt 25:1-13.
Topic: Never forget the oil.
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to ten bridesmaids who
went to meet the bridegroom with their lamps. The five wise ones took their oil
also. When the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. However, they
were called at midnight to meet the bridegroom. The foolish ones begged the wise
ones for oil when their lamps were going out. They were asked to go and get theirs.
And while they were out, the bridegroom entered into the wedding banquet with those
who were ready and the door shut. The foolish ones later came and pleaded unsuccessfully
to be let in.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12; cf. Jn 9:5.12:46). He is the
true light that enlightens every man/woman, cf. Jn 1:9. God has called us out
of darkness into His marvellous light, cf.
1Pt 2:9. Every Christian is a son/daughter of light and of the day, and not
of the night or of darkness, cf. 1Thes
5:5. His disciples are “the light of the world” (Matt 5:14). Despite all these, Jesus warns “be careful lest the
light in you be darkness” (Lk 11:35).
Both the wise and the foolish have their lamps. They all became
drowsy and slept. However, when they were called to meet the bridegroom, it became
clear who is who. Truly, God “has qualified us to share in the inheritance of
the saints in light”, cf. Col 1:12. But
for one to be admitted, he/she must carry also the oil, one’s good deeds, cf. Eph 5:8-10. We are urged to become sons
and daughters of light now by believing in Him, cf. Jn 12:35-36. Whoever fails is condemned like the foolish bridesmaids,
cf. Mk 16:16; Jn 3:18-19. Lamp
without oil is useless; it cannot give light, cf. Matt 5:15.
Bible Reading: Lk 11: 33-36; Eph 5:1-20; 1Pt 2:1-10.
Thought for today: Do you have enough oil?
Let us pray: God, give us the grace to carry both
our lamps and the oil – Amen.
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