The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25:11-13

Now if there is one thing that most of us try to avoid or remove from our lives, it is tension. Yet, being prepared necessarily means living in constant tension. The five “wise” bridesmaids in today’s gospel story, Matthew 25, were certainly in tension. They had to face a very difficult choice; light the way for the bridegroom and risk the loss of the friendship of their foolish companions who were unprepared to enter into the banquet. Being “wise,” the five prepared bridesmaids knew that there was nothing more important for them than being ready, than being watchful for what was their duty and mission. In choosing readiness, they also chose to live with the tension it created.

We often find ourselves in similar situations. We find ourselves in a trap created by the needs and wants of those around us. We get caught, for example, in the tension of trying to be both a good parent and a good spouse. We get squeezed in the tension of trying to be both a good Christian and a good citizen. We are constantly under pressure trying to please God and not to alienate those around us like the five wise bridesmaids. Such tensions force us to make difficult choices, choices as difficult as that in today’s gospel story.

The heart of the gospel message is to be actively ready for the incoming of the reign of God in our lives. Such watchfulness requires choice, and without tension, we would be hard pressed to make choices. Perhaps all the tension in our lives is really a gift that leads us to the gift of wisdom, which, in turn, helps us make the proper choice in a particular situation. The wise do not live lives devoid of tension. Rather, they live with tension, tension that excites them to be watchful and ready all the time.

Amid all the tensions of life, there is a need, especially, to take time to pray to the spirit for the gift of wisdom. Luckily, the spirit is strongly present in times of tension. We need only take the time to discern the spirit’s presence and to ask for the spirit’s help.

We do not have to be clever to pray to the Holy Spirit. As long as we are willing to do God’s will, the Holy Spirit will help us.

Fr. Hugh Duffy