At first reading, the wise virgins may appear selfish when they do not share their oil with the foolish virgins (Mt 25:8-9). However, some things cannot be shared. For example, a marathon runner must prepare for a long time to get in condition for a marathon. If a person were to approach a long-distance runner and say: "Give me some of your endurance," the runner would rightly respond: "I cannot give that to you. That kind of endurance is only gained through long training and daily discipline."
Likewise, the spiritual "shape" required to be "ready to greet [the Lord] when He comes again" is something that cannot simply be handed from a person who is spiritually mature to a person who is not. Our relationship to Jesus, the Bridegroom (Mk 2:19), is similar to a marriage. A marriage relationship is cultivated and developed by daily communication, sacrifice, and love. Spouses who do not attempt to grow in love for each other might one day look at their spouse and proclaim: "I do not know you" (Mt 25:12).
Now is the time (2 Cor 6:2). Start today to get to know Jesus more deeply. Spend at least five extra minutes each day this week in prayer with the Lord. Then spend ten extra minutes a day next week reading the Gospels. Come to know Jesus (Phil 3:10).
| PRAYER: | Father, draw me ever nearer to Your Son. Create in me a new heart for Him. May Your love be for me better than life (Ps 63:4). |
| PROMISE: | "If we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring forth with Him from the dead those also who have fallen asleep believing in Him." –1 Thes 4:14 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who is coming again to judge the living and the dead. Maranatha! "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rv 22:20) |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College