Thursday 9 August
Matthew 25:1-13 • St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
(Edith Stein) (Patron of Europe) (Feast)
Edith Stein, or St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, was born a Jew but abandoned the faith as a young woman and embraced atheism. By God’s grace she eventually recovered her faith in God, converted to Catholicism and became a Carmelite nun. Tragically she was put to death by the Nazis in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. Edith Stein was truly a wise virgin who, despite lapsing into the slumber of atheism, was reawakened by the Holy Spirit as a true daughter of Zion, a wise and beautiful virgin at the wedding feast of the Lamb. The punch line of today’s parable speaks to every human being and every human situation: ‘Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour’ (v. 13).
None of us knows the day or the hour when we must leave this world and return to God. Yet when did you last hear a sermon on death, judgement, heaven, hell or the second coming? When did you last hear a sermon which moved or compelled you in the same way that verse 13 of today’s reading moves and compels us? Many sermons today, sadly, are read from homily notes and do not reflect the preacher’s own insight or understanding. Homilies or sermons like these are hollow words landing on empty minds and hearts. The role of the preacher is to stimulate our minds and hearts to consider and reflect more soberly on the deep issues of life – such as death and judgement. Perhaps the key to the renewal of the Church is for our bishops, priests and deacons to experience a conversion of heart with regard to their preaching. If their hearts burn, so too will our hearts burn. If they are lukewarm, so too will we be.
Is this too harsh a view? Is this unfair? Perhaps it is – we are all responsible for our faith. The foolish virgins wanted the wise virgins to share their oil with them because their lights had gone out. Perhaps it is only the Holy Spirit who can renew or refresh us in the faith. We pray, nevertheless, for preachers and clergy who would instil within us a sense that our time on earth is brief and none of us knows the day or the hour when the Lord will call us.
Lord, grant me the wisdom to live always in your presence and with the peace of Christ in my heart.
Hosea 2:16b-17b, 21-22 • Psalm 44(45):11-17
Matthew 25:1-13
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