Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
August 28th, 2015
The Gospel, a reflection and a prayer
Today's Gospel, Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
“As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
“Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut.
“Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’
“Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
A reflection for today
Reflecting on this Gospel reminded me of my last couple visits to Confession.
My visits to Confession used to be few and far between. My first time back , the priest told me to try to use the Sacrament every one to two months. I told him I would do my best.
After three months I was able to find some time between many work trips to make it back to Confession. Again, the priest told me to really try to come more often. This same story repeated itself three months later after another busy travel period.
At this point, after hearing this line for the third time, I was a little incredulous as to why the priest wasn't happy I was making an effort to come as often as I did, despite my busy schedule. After reading today's Gospel I realize he was trying to help me “keep awake.”
Confession keeps us vigilant, with our internal flames burning brightly. It keeps us turned towards God, prepared to be welcomed to the wedding banquet by Christ, whenever the hour may come.
The priest’s encouragement was a reminder for me to pack more oil so I would not look foolish.
Michael Call ’10, Notre Dame
A prayer for today
Lord, give us the love and the generosity to reach out to serve our brothers and sisters in need, so in loving and serving them, we may love and serve you and thus one day hear you welcome us into your eternal Kingdom. Amen.
Have a great day, Father Duffell