were foolish, and five were sensible. The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they
were, and did not take extra oil. 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.
READ: Paul comforts the Thessalonians by assuring them that those who die
in faith will live forever in Jesus. The first reading sings of a woman's Wisdom
who will always be near those who seek her. Jesus tells the parable of the wise
bridesmaids who take care to prepare for the Bridegroom’s arrival.
REFLECT: Wisdom allows us to recognize God’s plan and discern God’s
presence. To be wise by the world’s standards is to have knowledge and
show good judgment. To be wise by God’s standards is to know God’s will
and act accordingly. That is how we prepare for the arrival of the Bridegroom,
Jesus Christ.
The gift of wisdom helps us to conform our lives to God’s will, so that we can
be with the Lord forever. All of our earthly life is preparation for the world to
come. We do not know how long our earthly lives will be or the day on which
they will end. Yet we do not grieve the end of this life because we know that
Jesus has prepared a place for us that is beyond our ability to imagine, where
we will see God face to face.
PRAY: Lord, grant us the wisdom to know your will.
ACT: Pray for the dead who have no one to pray for them.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023