Daily Gospel Reflection for August 28, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Today is my mother’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! What does my mother have to do with this Gospel? She would have been a wise virgin. She was always prepared for whatever happened. There were four of us, and when we went on road trips for the day or for two weeks, we had lots and lots of stuff. I recall one time we were at an amusement park, and as we were leaving the park the skies opened up and it rained and rained. In the back of the station wagon were towels and dry clothes; enough not only for us but the other three kids who were with us. Oh, yes, she would have had oil for her lamp.

We need to have oil for our lamps. As I read this, I am less inclined to think about material things as I am spiritual things. Because when the Bridegroom comes again it’s not going to be the material things that matter at all. When he comes, we will stand with him or not with him based on how we have lived out the Gospel. How do we live out the Gospel? We have two commandments from Jesus summed up simply: love God and love your neighbor. And we have our marching orders: go out to the whole world, teach, and baptize. If we do that, then our lamps will be full and door open.

Ponder:

Am I living the Gospel as best I can in my particular circumstance and time of my life? How am I loving others and sharing the Gospel with them?

Pray:

Lord, lead me to the people you want me to love. Show me how you want me to go out into the world and teach others about you. Help me to do what needs to be done, even when it is uncomfortable for me. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Deanna Bartalini