21st Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 1st September 2023

Leading a life pleasing to God is not all that difficult. We need only imagine that we are in God’s presence – and we are – before we open our mouths to speak. We must always have respect and compassion for others, for Jesus assures us that whatever we say or do to others, we do to Him. It comes down to kindness, decency, honesty, generosity, and right speaking and acting. No impressive feats of asceticism or self-denial are necessary.

We need only open ourselves to the world around us and the needs of others. What do we do while we wait for the Lord? We should progress in our spiritual life daily, but some people waste all their time. The five wise bridesmaids took enough oil for their lamps, but the five foolish ones were too lazy. When the bridegroom suddenly arrived, the foolish ones tried to borrow oil from the wise women.

We cannot lend or give away our own inner spiritual state. Each is responsible for his or her own. The parable ends with a warning to be on guard, for you know not the day nor the hour. Each day is a gift; let us treat it as if it were our last.

    Lord, help me to lead a life pleasing to You.