We should not give room for lapses

 

Being on our guard is to be wise.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Friday of 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, September 1st, 2023 Texts: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,10-12; Matthew 25:1-13 

The message today is about not settling for the less or the comfort zone. In the race for the kingdom of heaven, we have to press forward. Jesus Christ exhorts us today to always be on our guard; we should not give room for lapses and always prepare for the unforeseen. That is what is meant to be wise in the parable of the ten virgins. It is wisdom to plan for when things turn the other way. It is wisdom to have remedy for the unforeseen. The five wise virgins took extra oil for the unforeseen, in case time failed.  

St. Paul also exhorts us today to do more than we learn. In his words: “Brethren, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, you do so more and more.” Being on our guard is to be wise. Doing more or having extra is to be on our guard. The business of the kingdom of heaven does not allow settling for the less or remaining at comfort zone.  

We are to be on our guard not to fall into uncleanness

Jesus Christ tells us in the parable why we should be on guard. It is because we do not know the time. In His words: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." This means our whole life is to be spent doing good. This is explicit in the words of St. Paul who exhorts us to do more, for holiness is our calling. In his words: “For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness.” We are to be on our guard not to fall into uncleanness.  

We should beware of actions that can make us degenerate into uncleanness. The wise virgins guarded against such when the other five virgins beg them for oil. They said, “Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.” Such request form the five virgins came under the disguise of charity. However, it is not a charity because it is a threat to salvation of souls.  

Prayer 

God of wisdom, give us the Spirit of wisdom to always know what to do. May we live by the wisdom for the glory of Your name and sanctification of humanity. May we also pursue holiness daily. Amen  

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!! MAY YOU WITNESS THE LORD’S GOODNESS, HAPPINESS AND FAVOUR IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER. MAY YOU REMEMBER THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2023, FOR GOOD. AMEN   

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke