August 27, 2010
Memorial of Saint Monica
By Melanie Rigney
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside. (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)
The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. (Psalms 33:10-11)
(When the foolish virgins returned from buying oil, they found the bridegroom and the wise virgins had entered the feast and locked the door. They said,) “’Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:11-13)
Piety
Lord, sometimes I am foolish beyond belief. Please let me never take You for granted. May I never run out of the oil that feeds faith and keeps it burning bright.
Study
The foolish virgins were stunned. They were sure the oil in their lamps would last until the beginning of the feast. But the feast’s start was delayed because the bridegroom was late… and by the time they realized the error, bought more, and returned, the door was locked.
We might wonder about those stingy “wise” virgins. Shouldn’t they have shared what they had? Why did they tell the other women to leave? Hadn’t it occurred to anyone that the feast would begin as soon as the bridegroom arrived?
The challenge is that no matter how altruistic, how giving we may be of our time, talent, and treasure, if we don’t hold on to enough oil to keep our own faith lamps glowing, we risk losing it all. If we deplete our spiritual resources, it becomes easier and easier to think it is okay to run on fumes. Maybe we didn’t take the time we needed in prayer. Maybe we were too busy helping our friends and families to spend serious time with the Scripture. Everything seems to keep humming somehow, and we figure stealing away a little more time and energy from our relationship with Christ won’t hurt.
Except that it does.
We’re not smart enough or holy enough to put on spiritual lives on autopilot. No one, not Peter, not Paul, not Saint Monica, not anyone can mail it in and expect to find an open door, for as Christ told his followers, we know neither the day nor the hour. He wants us to travel light, certainly. But not empty.
Action
Take a look inside your lamp. How low is your oil? Take the time to replenish it.
