Matthew 25: 1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Oil of Genuine Love
I’ve always loved the symbolism packed into Jesus’ parables. There is so much here, but on this memorial of St. Augustine, let’s focus on two themes.
The wedding feast points to God’s covenant of love, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom who comes to unite himself with his people.
In his Confessions, St. Augustine reflects on the symbolism of oil as a sign of love. The lamps represent the outward appearance of faith and goodness, but the oil hidden within represents what truly fills the heart. God sees not only what we do, but why we do it.
Augustine teaches that this interior love cannot be borrowed from another. It is formed within us by God’s grace as we respond through faith, acts of charity, and genuine concern for our brothers and sisters. No one else can supply the love that should dwell in our own hearts. It is easy to keep our lamps polished for the world to see, but the oil of genuine love is accumulated only in the quiet choices of the heart.
When the Bridegroom arrives, what will he find in our lamps?
—Danny Monistere is a member of the Board of Trustees for Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, TX. He is a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Chinese Parish in Plano, TX.
Prayer
Pondus Meum Amor Meus (My Love is My Weight)
Lord,
On this day when we remember St. Augustine, remind me that my love is my weight—that where my love takes me, there I am carried.
Forgive the times I focus on the outward appearance of my lamp, ensuring it looks bright to the world while letting the oil run dry within. Strip away my desire for the approval of others. Look instead into the hidden corners of my heart.
By your grace, pour the oil of your love into my interior life. Give me the patience to build up this oil daily through quiet faith, hidden acts of charity, and genuine concern for those around me. Let my love not be a borrowed sentiment, but a deep well formed by you.
So that when the Bridegroom arrives, whether at midnight or in the ordinary moments of this day, he will find a lamp trimmed, a flame burning, and a heart overflowing with love for You.
Amen.
—Danny Monistere