DAILY- HOMILY

26 August 2016 

Friday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time 

Green.          

1 Cor 1: 17 – 25 / Mt 25: 1 – 13

Gospel Reading: Mt 25: 1 -13

Jesus said to his disciples, "This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven. Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were careless while the others were sensible. 

"The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil. But those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil. 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 careless 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 both you and us. You had better go to those who sell and buy for yourselves.'  

"They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut. Later the rest of the 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."

Reflection

In the Gospel reading, five  bridesmaids were foolish because they did not bring oil for their lamps and five were sensible because they did. 

What does it mean not to bring oil?  Oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit.  If we do not have it, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, which is symbolized by the wedding banquet.  So if we want to obtain the Holy Spirit, we should pray for it.  We must stay awake and take seriously our spiritual lives.  

While it is true that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, it is often given to those who truly want it.  Many people want to experience spiritual joy without giving up worldly desires and carrying the cross.  They are foolish because matters of the spirit do not mix with worldly pleasures.  We have to choose one or the other.  We have to choose between God or money.  Sometimes we may even have to choose between God and family.  

The sensible bridesmaids had thought out what was needed to enter the wedding hall.  So they brought extra oil for their lamps and were watchful for the bridegroom to arrive.  We too must be vigilant and watchful because the Lord will come when we least expect him to.  But if we have the Holy Spirit, we need not be afraid when he does come.  He will welcome us into the wedding hall and we will dine with him.   

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Edwin C. Inocentes

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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