Friday 30 August 2024
Day of penance
1 Corinthians 1:17-25. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord – Psalm 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 10-11. Matthew 25:1-13.
Let no friend come between a soul and Christ
‘While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked’.
Today’s Gospel reading is challenging to understand since, as children, Christians are taught to share all we have with others. Here, Jesus is teaching his disciples something new. The 10 virgins head out to meet the bridegroom and bring their lamps, but only five bring their oil. The five that bring the oil are wise and know if they share their oil with those without oil, they will not be prepared to go when the bridegroom arrives. While going to purchase more oil, the five unwise virgins miss the bridegroom and cannot enter the banquet. The message is simple: do not be afraid to let go of bad friends and let no friend come between a soul and Christ.
Lord Jesus, may I always wait expectantly to meet you. May I be one of the wise virgins waiting with lamp and oil, and may I choose wise friends.
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