This week’s Gospel reflection comes from the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. It is a call to preparedness and a reminder that we do not know the day nor the hour when we might find ourselves face-to-face with Jesus.
The parable opens with a moment of expectation. The maidens gather their lamps and prepare to receive the bridegroom. There might be a sense of excitement and anticipation of his arrival. They do not know when he will come, but they seem sure that he will.
We can have the same sense of anticipation and expectation for God in our own lives.
God promises time and time again that he is with us and that we shall be with him forever. We spend most of our lives unaware of that presence. But sometimes God awakens in us a startling awareness that he is near. We may not be sure when that moment will come, but we can be sure that it will.
We can have a similar sense of anticipation and expectation for God in
our societies. The world is in a mess at the moment (to put it mildly). But God promises that he shall transform the world according to his own vision, a vision of peace and justice. We may not be sure when our societies will reflect the Kingdom, but we can be sure that they will.
Do you anticipate God’s presence in your life? Are you watching for God’s activity
in the world?
Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ
