True Wisdom (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II (AUGUST 30, 2024)
HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II (AUGUST 30, 2024) 1Cor.1:17-25; Ps.33; Matthew 25:1-13 True Wisdom In today’s gospel, we are presented with another parable about the kingdom of God. This parable of the ten bridesmaids teaches us that the way we live our lives is the way we prepare for the kingdom of God. In this parable, notice that the five wise maidens were not called wise because they took extra oil, rather, it is because they were wise that was why they took extra oil. The extra oil was a consequence of their wisdom. This same analysis is applies to the foolish maidens. And so, the bridegroom says “I do not know you” to the foolish maidens not because they had no extra oil but because they lacked wisdom to guide them generally. From today's gospel, let us learn the meaning of true wisdom. Often times wisdom is misunderstood as being crafty or cunning in relating with others. It is also sometimes perceived as being able to get away with wron