But those who were sensible, took flasks of oil with their lamps.
As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.
But at midnight, a cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!’
All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones said to the sensible ones,
‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The sensible ones answered,
‘There may not be enough for us and for you. You had better go to those who sell,
and buy some for yourselves.’ When the bridegroom came, the foolish maidens were out buying oil,
but those who were ready went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.
Later the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered,
‘Truly I do not know you.’ So stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
LECTIO DIVINA:
Read: Psalm 63, our Responsorial Psalm, expresses well the theme of this Sunday – longing for God.
The truly wise know that the world cannot offer anything truly lasting and valuable.
The only true treasure is God, to be with God, to be counted among the Blessed Ones (remember November 1).
It is wise to remember that we will all die and those who have remained faithful will,
at the resurrection of the dead, will rise to meet the Lord (2nd reading).
Reflect: We are all Virgins! We could either be wise or foolish virgins! The wise are vigilant, watchful.
The wise wait in joyful anticipation, with great longing, for the advent of the Bridegroom, our Lord.
Pray: The prayer of the early church was “Maranatha” – come Lord Jesus. Those who long for God are ever watchful,
and like the many Saints, pine for communion with God. Like St. Augustine we must pray “our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
Act: The challenge for us this week is to consider: am i looking forward to the time when
I shall be with all the Saints in heaven or have I become so contented with life in the
world so that I have forgotten my eternal destiny? Do I long for God?
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020