Reflection for the 32nd Sunday In Ordinary Time

None of us knows for certain when the Lord will come back. All we know from scripture is that he

promised to return one day. The Gospel reminds us of two very important points; the need to use

the time he has given us wisely, and to make wise decisions so that when we do meet our savior,

we will be prepared to enter the kingdom of heaven.

In our Gospel today we hear about the 5 wise virgins and the 5 foolish virgins. To put the situation

into context, it's helpful to understand the culture of Jesus' time. In our culture, it's not unusual for

the bride to be a few minutes later for her wedding. But in Jesus time it would not have been unusual for the groom to be the one who is late, but not even for a few minutes, it could be for hours or days.

The slow nature of travel, the need to address customary requirements such as the dowry, often left

everyone in the dark about the exact day and hour of the wedding. And because of that, the

bridesmaids were tasked with keeping vigil day and night so that when they saw the bridegroom

approaching, they could greet him and alert others that the wedding feast was about to begin.

The bridesmaids in the parable were given an opportunity to be ready for the wedding, but five of

them did not bring enough oil. They had an opportunity during the day to get a supply of oil but they

didn’t bother. Then when the groom arrived for the wedding it was too late. They were unprepared

and would miss the wedding banquet. But the other 5 virgins, they were wise, they planned properly

and they were able to join into the banquet.

How do we get wisdom like the 5 virgins? What tools has God given us that will help us to make wise

decisions in our lives?

Our first reading from the book of wisdom provides us with the answer. The reading tells us that

wisdom is found by those who seek it. That gives me great hope, because the gift of wisdom is

offered to each one of us if only we look for it.

And what is this special wisdom that is so freely offered to us? God's gift of wisdom is what the Holy

Spirit does within us so that we can see everything through God's eyes. Wisdom teaches us to see

with God's eyes, to feel with God's heart, and to speak with God's words. Wisdom is the power

enabling us to live meaningful lives. Wisdom helps us to lead godly lives in the face of evil in the

world. The wise virgins keep the torch lit waiting for the Lord. As Christians, we can see more when

aided by the light of Christ. Believers and unbelievers experience the same world of joy and

suffering, life and death; but the believers sees more in these events… the believer perceives Gods

Presence!

Every day we are faced with choices, and there are always consequences associated with those

choices. Some of the bridesmaids in the parable squandered the opportunity they had during the day to get some oil, and the consequence was that they missed the wedding feast. The others were

wise, they prepared themselves properly and they received their reward.

How much time do you and I have left? We really don’t know. What we do know is that we must

prepare and be ready.

May each of us seek the wisdom to help us see things through Jesus’ eyes, and may each of us

prepare ourselves for His coming by shining His light into the darkness around us.

God bless you.

Deacon Anthony Cioe

2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal

By supporting the 2026 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting many programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden and Saints Peter & Paul Parish. These ministries serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When you support the South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal, you offer comfort to those in your parish, your community, and throughout the entire Diocese.

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