September 1, 2023, Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-A
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Psalm 97
Matthew 25:1-13
This is the will of God, your holiness… 1 Thes 4:3
Those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Matthew 25:10
Lord, there’s a sports expression that says: “Father Time is undefeated.” The meaning being, we will all one day retire from life and meet you. In your parable today the five women who were unprepared with lamp oil were told to go away for “I do not know you.” All our days are spent preparing for the wedding feast you have prepared and invited us to. How many more days I have to prepare and to become holy is known only to you. In your unconditional love for me you have provided all the lamp oil I need to be the holy child you created me to be. Help me to not take the time I have for granted so I can live today like it is my last day on this earth. Lord, you know my weak human nature can stray from the path to holiness. I can follow the ways of the world and seek security, peace, and pleasure apart from the will of God. Please make me more aware today of the choices which fill me with the lamp oil of holiness. Amen.