Homily

The greatest gift next to salvation itself, I ponder, might be wisdom itself. But is wisdom? The very book we read from in the first reading is called “Wisdom.” It speaks of wisdom in feminine imagery. As Christians we would even say that Jesus is the incarnation of wisdom itself. One dictionary I used defined it this way: “The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.”

St. Paul was addressing the Thesalonians by offering wisdom about what he understood to be the end times. You see, he was so excited and change by his experience of the Risen Christ, he expected Jesus’ return to be soon, and so he wanted to comfort the people with the wisdom he had been given from God. The wisdom he wanted to share was one of hope.

Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish virgins (a term that could also be seen today as bridesmaids), also expresses wisdom. They had days to prepare and some refused to do it and suffered the natural consequences of their choices. He uses the image of oil in their lamps to describe how they could be prepared. The Church offers us oil or we might say experiences, wisdom, or sacraments to fill our hearts with the gift of faith too. The question before us is, are we being wise or foolish.

Let’s try some down to earth examples. What are some goals you want to achieve? What are the actions you need to do in order to achieve those goals? It is wisdom to do these works in order to fulfill these goals. It is foolish to expect to reach those goals without any preparation or gathering of wisdom to attain those goals.

This weekend, I was with many engaged couples also preparing for a wedding: their own to their future spouse. They spent all weekend reflecting and discussing their hopes, dreams, expectations, and possible problems points before they entered into the Sacrament. For these soon to be brides and bridegrooms, they were, in my estimation, wise like the virgins in the Gospel. They valued their up coming commitment and have been preparing to give themselves every opportunity for a joyful marriage.

What can we do to prepare for heaven while still here on earth? (list examples given). Wonderful! So, then listen to the words of Jesus and prepare yourself for eternity now. Do not wait. Don’t be foolish. Fill your lamps, your hearts, your souls with the oil of wisdom and faith which God wants to give you. Do it now, for you you know neither the day nor the hour God will come for you.