WIS 6:12-16; PS 63:2-8; 1 THES 4:13-18 OR 4:13-14; MT 25:1-13
Wisdom is at the heart of today's readings. It is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and an essential gift for living the stewardship way of life. As Christian stewards, we should continually ask the Holy Spirit to deepen this gift within us.
Our First Reading comes from the Book of Wisdom itself. We hear, "Taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care."
How does wisdom free us from anxiety? Not because it gives us all the answers, but because it teaches us to trust the One who does. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit helps us rely on God's providence rather than our own understanding. In a complicated and unpredictable world, that trust brings lasting peace.
St. Paul applies that same wisdom to the subject of death in today's Second Reading. He reminds the Thessalonians not to grieve "like the rest, who have no hope." Because Christ has conquered death through His Resurrection, those who belong to Him have reason for hope even in the face of loss.
This truth is both comforting and challenging. Death is inevitable, but it is not the end. Wise Christian stewards keep this eternal perspective before them, allowing it to shape the way they live each day.
Jesus reinforces that lesson in today's Gospel through the parable of the 10 virgins awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. Five prepare wisely by bringing enough oil for their lamps. Five do not.
When the bridegroom arrives unexpectedly, only those who are prepared are ready to enter the wedding feast. Jesus concludes with the simple instruction: "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
The stewardship way of life helps us remain ready for that day. Through prayer, the sacraments, generous service, and the faithful use of the gifts God has entrusted to us, we keep our hearts turned toward Christ. Then, whenever the Bridegroom comes, we will be prepared to meet Him with joy.
