Wisdom for the Kingdom

11-12-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Wisdom forms the central message in today’s liturgy. The first reading says that wisdom is perceived by those who love her and can be found by those who seek it out. Those who seek it will find it, as it is not hidden nor inaccessible. Another aspect of the passage is that wisdom is personified with feminine pronouns and can be found in solitude. It is a precious gift that helps us navigate through life’s challenges because with wisdom we would be able to make right choices that would enrich our life here on earth and draw us close to God.

An amazing connection exists between the first reading and the gospel as the first reading says, “Whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care…whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed.” The wise virgins, we see in today’s gospel, kept vigil for the arrival of the bridegroom who is Christ the wisdom of God. The wise virgins endured and waited till dawn for the arrival of the bridegroom, and they were not disappointed.

This longing for the incarnate wisdom finds expression also in the responsorial psalm that says, “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” Today’s psalm makes it clear how our spirit thirsts for God because He is the only thing that can satisfy our thirst.

The second reading takes up the idea of those who have fallen asleep in death and Paul encourages the Thessalonians never to grieve as those who have no hope in the resurrection. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians aimed at correcting the wrong impression at the time when they thought that the Lord’s return was immediate. As a result of this, many of them stopped working and were just waiting for the return of Jesus. Hence, Paul writes to encourage them to go about doing their work as they wait for the coming of the Lord. The Lord comes every day in our lives, but He will come at the end of the age but no one knows when that will be; the only thing we need is to keep focus in our daily work with humility.

Today’s parable is centered on the need to be prepared to await the arrival of Christ who is the incarnate wisdom and the bridegroom. The need to be alert is emphasized but on top of that we need to have our extra oil and lamp ready to meet Him. The extra oil are those sacrifices we make for our faith, the sacrifices for the good of others and our generosity for those in need. This is where wisdom comes in knowing how to live our lives so that we become blessings to other people.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.