Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk   

Thirty Second Sunday of the Year, A – November 12, 2017.

Readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2.3-4.5-6-8(R.2b);

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Gospel Matthew 25:1-13.

Theme: Of Readiness & Vigilance 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as the Church’s Liturgical Calendar draws to a close, the theme of “Readiness and Vigilance” stares us in the face. On a Sunday like this, we recall the closing words of the today’s gospel which says: “So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). With these words in mind, we shall approach this homily by situating the sacred text available to us in the Nigerian pastoral context. This shall be followed by appropriate spiritual lessons.

Explication of Sacred Text

In our first reading (Wisdom 6:12-16), wisdom is presented as a lady. The feminine nature of lady wisdom is expressed in three words:

1.  Brightness: Wisdom is presented as a bright light which does not grow dim - That Wisdom is God himself who permeates the hearts of men through his spirit.

2. Available: The scripture also notes that she is readily seen and found by those who look for her. That is not all; she is also quick to respond to those who want her as she makes herself known. She is available from morning to night assisting those in any kind of trouble. She could take the trouble of even sitting by the gate of your heart.

3. Approachable:  The reading stresses that Lady Wisdom is approachable as she is able to walk about seeking for those who are worthy of her. Accordingly, she graciously shows herself to them - She is also able to cut across their thoughts.  

In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), St. Paul speaks about the eternal wisdom of what is to come. By expounding the theology of eschatology, the Pauline literature not only reminds us about the resurrection of the dead but equally states that “any of us who are left alive until the Lord’s coming will not have any advantage over those who have died.”  This calls for sober reflection about the way we live our lives. Wisdom demands that we not only believe in the resurrection but also live becomingly as on that day. This requires readiness and vigilance because we do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man would come (Matthew 25:13).

The gospel (Matthew 25:1-13) which discloses the parable of the ten virgins once more brings to the fore the theme of “Readiness and Vigilance.” The 5 foolish virgins did not place a high premium on time – they thought they had all the time in the world; they were not vigilant and so the bridegroom took them unawares. They had to pay the price for their “time boku mentality.” The price was, the door was closed at them. What is more terrifying is, the Lord said: “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” 

Application to Pastoral Context/Lessons

1.  Since wisdom is bright, available and approachable to all, we must heed her call to live lives worthy of the gospel.

2. Wisdom demands that we do not allow the light of Christ grow dim in our lives.

3. Since wisdom is available from morning to night, assisting those in any kind of trouble, we must oblige her by opening the gate of our hearts.

4. Approaching wisdom or letting her approach us is key to preparing for any eventuality on our journey towards heaven.

5. We must be seen to embrace the eternal wisdom which St. Paul speaks about namely, the life of the world to come.

6. By expounding the theology of eschatology, the Pauline literature not only reminds us about the resurrection of the dead but it also stresses that we have no advantage over those who have died except if we cease the opportunity to change.

7. The parable of the ten virgins once more brings to the fore the theme of “Readiness and Vigilance” regarding our spiritual journey.

8. The price of “time boku mentality” is that the door would be closed at us when we least expect it. 

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. Wisdom is God himself who permeates our hearts through his spirit.

2. Wisdom is quick to respond to those who want her as she makes herself known.

3. Our liturgy stresses that Lady Wisdom is approachable as she seeks after those who are worthy of her.

4. Our Pauline text reminds us about the resurrection of the dead as well as waiting on the Lord who is the resurrection and the life.

5. The price for buying time is dead and eternal damnation.

Our pilgrim journey here on earth can be likened to a staff on probation. A staff on probation who acts wisely would hold extra oil so as to be permanented. An unwise staff on probation is like the 5 foolish virgins who were carried away by other mundane interests and did not take extra oil. We must, therefore, wise-up by using our probation period wisely.

Conclusion

Today, we once more remember the last four things: Death, judgment, heaven and hell. As a response to where we shall spend eternity, our readings speak to the heart of readiness and vigilance. This signals the second coming of Christ and the fact that God has no favourites – His judgment does not discriminate. Therefore, we must be up and doing in terms of appropriating his blessing by being wise in matters of salvation.

Jesus also insists that we must stand ready for his return in glory. The only medicine for what shall happen to our souls is preparedness. Like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2), death comes unannounced. We pray God to spare us of an untimely death – May the Holy Spirit help us to always be ready and vigilant. Amen.