Homily of 32nd Sunday in ordinary Time on the topic, “Innocent but guilty” Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp. Ref. Wisdom 6:12-16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13
The readings of the past days highlight Jesus’ guidance on applying wisdom in our spiritual journey, much like how worldly individuals conduct their lives. We may be innocent but guilty on many grounds if we do not apply wisdom in the way we lead our lives.
The Lord instructed the disciples in Matthew 10:16-18.
*Wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove.*
In Matthew 10:16-18, the Lord said to the disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Our spiritual insight and the knowledge of how the world works help us to guide against any form of eventualities that may come our way.
*Innocent but guilty*
The Lord presents to us in the gospel the parable of the ten virgins or bridesmaids. Five were foolish and five sensible, awaiting the bridegroom, the foolish, lacking oil asked the sensible ones for some, but were advised to buy their own. While they sought oil, the bridegroom arrived. The prepared ones joined the feast, while those who made no early preparation were left outside. The Lord used this parable to teach us the truth about vigilance. Nobody knows the time of the Lord’s visitation. Hence, we need to pray for the wisdom to order our ways so that we shall not be caught unaware when the Lord comes.
In the first reading, wisdom is said to be available only to those who make themselves worthy of her. She makes herself known only to those who seeks her. Let us seek the wisdom of God so that we may worthy of the glory of heaven, so that when the Lord comes, he will meet us prepared. Without wisdom, we cannot live a clean life in this world. Though we may innocent, we can be guilty for lack of wisdom.
We pray that the wisdom of God will be pour into our hearts so that we are made perfect and fit for the glory of heaven. Amen.
