Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
If Jesus came back right now, would we be ready? This weekend, Jesus tells us a parable about the ten virgins who were waiting to meet the bridegroom. Five of them brought extra oil for their lamps; the other five didn’t. The bridegroom arrived later than expected, and the five with the extra oil were ready, their lamps lit, when he showed up. The lamps of others who didn’t bring extra oil started to go out. They tried to get some of the oil from the five who brought extra, but they only had enough for themselves. So, they had to go and try to get more before they missed the Bridegroom, but he arrived while they were out.
Jesus wants us to be like the five wise virgins who were prepared and ready for the bridegroom. We don’t know when he will return, but he wants us to be ready when he does. Jesus has told each of us before that “you are that light of the world” (Matthew 5:13). He wants our lights to shine brightly, lighting the path to him so others can also know the way. It can be easy to get distracted by the world and what is going on around us, but we need to stay focused on Christ and our mission as Christians. It is up to us to continue learning and growing in our faith and to share the Good News of Christ with others.
God loves everyone in the world, and he wants everyone to know of his love. It is up to us to spread his message of love and mercy to all we meet. He wants us all to be ready for when he comes again.
Your brother in Christ,
Deacon Manny
