“Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.”
Today’s Gospel is a warning to all of us that we must be preparing ourselves to meet our Lord, either through our death or His second coming. This meeting should not scare us if we are prepared— look at the 5 wise virgins in the Gospel. When the bridegroom came, they went down to meet him and entered the wedding with him. It does not say they trembled in fear, had anxiety or despaired. They simply went to meet him and entered the feast.
If we prepare ourselves well for our meeting with Christ the Bridegroom, then this will be our response too. We will simply and joyfully go to meet Him and enter Heaven with Him. How do we make sure we are prepared to meet the bridegroom like the wise virgins? First, take notice of what the bridegroom says to the unwise virgins: “I don’t know you.” We must make time for daily prayer, at least 15 minutes, where we sit in silence, meditate on the Scripture, and develop a relationship with Christ. This is essential to our salvation. “He who prays is certainly saved; he who does not pray is certainly damned.” -St. Alphonsus Ligouri. This quote should be a comfort to everyone – if we persevere in prayer, we can have great hope in our salvation!
Second, we need to be frequenting the Sacraments; going to Confession at least once a month and regularly receiving the Eucharist. Third, we need to rid ourselves of sin and things that keep us from God. Fourth, we need to build community with other good Catholics who help nourish and grow our faith. We can’t do this alone; good friends are essential. Lastly, we need to be doing some spiritual readings so we learn about how to be holy and grow closer to God. Do not fear! Try hard and trust God will guide you in your journey to meet Him!
