Need of the Seriousness in our Work

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:1-13*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 1:17-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11*

*Need of the Seriousness in our Work*

*1) The Parable of the Ten Virgins*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the parable of Ten Virgins 

Among many lessons, the need of the seriousness in our work, appears to be one of the important lessons 

Finally the seriousness in ones work will help him/her to achieve the goals 

*2) The Wise Virgins*

The wise virgins symbolises  how one has to pay attention to ones work 

The goal is very clear, that they wanted to meet and welcome the bridegroom and to participate in his banquet 

For this they had to prepare themselves. The preparation involving the following

The need of the lamp 

The need of the oil 

The need of extra oil 

Coming to  the meeting place 

Good condition of the lamp 

The wise virgins paid attention to all these things. They foresaw all these things and brought along with them 

*3) The Foolish Virgins*

As the name indicates, they were really foolish in their approach and preparation for meeting the bridegroom

They took the lamp but didn't take the oil 

They didn't prepare well for the meeting of the bridegroom

They were depended on others 

Last minute they became alert, but it is useless 

This shows unpreparedness and negligence from the part of the foolish virgins 

*4) The end result*

The result is very clear. The wise virgins who were ready, when the bride came, were given the chance to enjoy with him 

Those virgins who were not ready or who neglected their responsibility, were left out without anything 

Such is the result of those who prepare and those who do not prepare 

*5) Last minute preparation is Useless*

This lesson is very clear from the parable

The foolish virgins who prepared at the last moment had no favours in anything 

So, last minute preparation does not help. Thid makes us to reflect about need of discipline and preparation in anything we do 

*6) What is my Role?*

Where I am in terms of seriousness of my work? 

Do I belong to the group of wise virgins or foolishn virgins? 

What are the areas which I need to pay attention in my life? 

What is the oil I have to burn the lamp of my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*