Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (01st September, 2017) on the
Gospel
1Thess 4:1-8;
Ps 96:1-2.5-6.10-12. (R. v. 12);
Matt 25:1-13.
Topic: Never forget the oil.
In today’s gospel, Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to
ten bridesmaids who went to meet the bridegroom with their lamps. 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 is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will not
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, cf. Jn 8:12. 9:5.12:46). He is the true light that enlightens everybody,
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 followers 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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