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WORD AMONG US WAU.ORG Reflections
Daily Meditation: Matthew 25:1-13
Behold, the bridegroom! (Matthew 25:6)
When Scripture uses the word “behold,” you can be sure it’s important. It means far more than just “Look!” In today’s Gospel, for instance, it’s spoken as a command. It’s as if the Lord is saying, Pay attention! Don’t miss this! Don’t miss Jesus, the Bridegroom.
All this month, our readings will point us toward Jesus’ Second Coming, when he will return to bring his people home. Today’s Gospel urges us to be ready to behold him when he does come. Like the maidens in Jesus’ parable, we are waiting for our Bridegroom. He will invite us to join his wedding banquet, and none of us knows when he will arrive. But we don’t have to be like the five women whose lamps went out for lack of oil. Our God has given us an unlimited supply of oil to keep our lamps burning—his Holy Spirit. We have this Spirit as a gift to help us to be ready to behold Jesus.
Just as oil fuels a lamp, the Spirit you received at Baptism enkindles your love for Jesus and keeps your eyes looking to him. Then, in Confirmation, you were anointed with oil and sealed with the Holy Spirit. God has put “his seal” on you and placed his Spirit in your heart forever (2 Corinthians 1:22). That means that you can always call on him for help!
This “Spirit of truth” will open the Scriptures to you (John 16:13). As the Counselor, he will encourage you and pour his love into your heart so that you can love the people around you (John 14:26; Romans 5:5). Just as oil soothes a bruise, the Spirit will restore you to health when you’re wounded by sin. As oil strengthens your skin, the Spirit will empower you in your struggle against temptation. And since the “the lamp of the body is your eye,” the Spirit will keep your lamp burning brightly so that you are ready to behold the Lord (Luke 11:34)
So lean on the Spirit; let him open your eyes and your heart to behold your Bridegroom (Matthew 25:6)!
“Holy Spirit, enkindle in me the fire of your love!”
