Readings:
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Matthew 25:1-13
Reflection
So often in our faith journeys, it can be easy to fall into a spirit of lukewarmness or, as in the example of today’s parable, “to grow drowsy and fall asleep”. At baptism, each of us are given a candle, one that represents the light of Christ in our hearts. But as we grow up in this secular world and get a job and family, it can be easy to let that candle fall onto the back burner. The flame that might have at one time burned so bright with the passion of the holy spirit is now a dim spark as we got tired and burned out with the seemingly long journey ahead of us.
Today’s gospel reading is that wake-up call to the lukewarmness of our hearts. To rekindle the intimate flame of Christ given to us in baptism so that when we do find ourselves at the door of eternity, the bridegroom’s response could be ‘Come in beloved, for how deeply I knew you’.
In the first reading, we are reminded that God desires all of us to live lives of holiness. But this holiness and fulfilment does not come from self-seeking ways but turning to an evermore intimate communion with God. Trusting in his all-encompassing love, a love that will keep our lamps burning well into the night so that we never have to go anywhere else to be filled.
Let us ask the question now: What is the state of the candle in our hearts? And will the bridegroom know us?
Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.