Wis. 6:12-16 | Ps. 63:2-8 | 1 Thes. 4:13-18 | Mt. 25:1-13

Wisdom is a great virtue, and the book of Wisdom tells us that those who seek wisdom will find it.  Jesus extols the five virgins who were wise enough to bring extra oil so that they would be ready when the bridegroom arrived.  Upon first hearing this reading, one might think they were selfish for not sharing the oil.  However, we know that the oil was an essential  and all should have been prepared and brought extra oil with them.  Jesus tells us to live our lives wisely.  Do all we can today and each day to walk in Christ’s footsteps.  So doing, we certainly will not be caught surprised when God calls us home.

Contemplate this Gospel.  Image being one of the foolish virgins without oil.  How does it feel to be unprepared?  Now imagine being a wise virgin.  How does this feel?  How can you live your life in order to have this secure feeling?