The Eternal Feast: Thirsting for God’s Presence!
By Abba Jimmy
The Readings for this Reflection are Taken from the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the first reading (Wisdom 6:12–16), we are encouraged to seek Wisdom, who is described as a radiant and eternal figure. She is proactive and seeks out those who desire her. When we are vigilant and attentive to Wisdom, we can find freedom from worry.
The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 63) expresses a deep spiritual longing for God, as intense as physical thirst. We are reminded to seek God’s presence and support, glorify Him, and find satisfaction in His love, like a rich feast. We are also encouraged to constantly remember and meditate on God.
In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), we are reassured that those who have “fallen asleep” in Jesus will be raised and join the living in meeting the Lord. This passage provides comfort and hope about the resurrection and the afterlife, urging the community to console each other with this message of hope.
Finally, the Gospel (Matthew 25:1–13) tells the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the need for readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven. We are reminded to be wise like the prepared virgins, and to be vigilant, as we do not know the time of the bridegroom’s (or Christ’s) coming. Let us seek Wisdom, long for God’s presence, find comfort in the hope of resurrection, and be ready for the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the quiet moments of our daily lives, let us cultivate a heart of discernment, being mindful to pause and listen for the gentle guidance of Wisdom in every decision we face. As we encounter life’s challenges and joys, let’s approach each with a spirit of hope, remembering that our ultimate journey is towards an eternal union with the Divine.
By carrying within us a constant and fervent prayer, akin to the flame of a vigilant lamp, our lives become a testimony to the enduring presence of God’s love, a beacon that guides not only our steps but also illuminates the path for others in our community. Through such a lived faith, we embody the readiness spoken of in the Gospel, always prepared to embrace the fullness of the kingdom of God at any moment.
