Reflection on the Readings

11-07-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Over the next three weeks, the readings will focus on “being prepared.” This is because we are approaching the end of the Liturgical Year A. The story of wedding preparation in the Gospel today may not make any sense to us in the Western Culture. However, the point of the story is not so much about the wedding ceremony itself but on the need to be prepared so the Lord will fi nd us ready when he comes.

Today’s second reading contains a reference to an event sometimes called “the rapture.” St. Paul explains that when the trumpet sounds, there will be two groups of Christians: “those who have fallen asleep” and “we who are alive.” St. Paul states that those who are living will have no advantage over those who have died. Jesus will raise the dead and then those who are le[ behind; that is, Christians still alive will be caught up in the air with them. We will meet Christ who will transform us along with those whose bodies now rest in the ground.

In the Gospel of Matthew (7:21), Jesus warned that not everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved, but only those who are faithful to the end. The story of the wise and foolish virgins in the Gospel today is a reminder about the need to remain faithful and in the state of grace at all times. The purpose of oil in a lamp is to produce fi re and keep it burning. Our faith is the “oil” for the light of Christ that is within us. If our lamps are empty, we cannot have the fi re of Christ burning in our hearts. We live at a time when the faith of many Christians has grown cold. The Gospel today invites us to refuel our spiritual lamp and keep the light of Christ burning in our lives until he comes to take us home.

Thank you and remain blessed,

Fr. James