One import thing that made a difference

Gospel Thoughts

32nd Week : Sunday

GOSPEL Lk Mt 25:1-13

First Reading - Wis 6:12-16

Second Reading 1 Thes 4:13-18

*One import thing that made a difference*

*1) Both had gone to receive the bridegroom*

The wise as well as the foolish had gone to meet and receive the bridegroom

Both knew that bridegroom will come and meet them

*2) Both had taken the Lamps*

Wise as well as the foolish had their lamps along with them when they had gone to meet the bridegroom. 

Both knew that they needed the lamps. So they took. 

*3) Both were on time to meet the bridegroom*

None of them were delayed to meet the bridegroom. They were on time to meet the bridegroom

*4) Both fell a sleep* 

Both wise as well as foolish fell asleep since the bridegroom was delayed to come 

*5) Both got up in the middle of the night when there was an alarm*

When the bridegroom came in the middle of the night there was a alarm to get up and to get ready. 

So both wise as well as foolish go up in the middle of the night and started  to get ready for meeting the bridegroom. 

*6) Both started to lit the lamps*

Since it was night they knew that they needed the light. So they started to light their lamps so that there may be light. 

*7) Now the difference comes : Wise had oil, foolish Not*

In spite of all the above similarities, here comes the difference. 

Wise had oil in their lamps. Foolish had only the lamps but no oil. 

Oil made a difference in their life. Those who had oil in their lamps were able to participate in the wedding, foolish were not, since their lamps could not burn because of no oil. 

*8) Foolish had so many things, but didn't have the important thing*

Foolish might have had many things. But they lacked one important thing. That made a difference. 

In my life I may be having many things, but do I have one important thing which is necessary? 

*9) What is the oil which my life needs* 

Oil may represent the following

Alertness

Good values

Generosity

Service

Sacrifice

Love

Forgiveness

Blessings

Mercy and concern

Humility

Courage etc

These are the important things without which life has no meaning and life has no light

*10) Do  not depend on some one else's oil*

Foolish were depending on the oil of wise. But they could get it. 

This is very important to note. Don't depend on some one else's oil. One must have his own oil in order to live ones life meaningfully. 

Am I ready?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*