Reflection on the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel is not about scarcity; it is about preparedness. Five of the 10 virgins found themselves in a dilemma because they were not prepared for an event that did not have a set time or schedule. Here in Florida we are repeatedly advised to be prepared at the start of hurricane season because we do not know the day or the hour when a hurricane might hit. The season goes from June 1 to Nov. 30. So by June 1 I have a week’s supply of bottled water for drinking, nonperishable foods that do not require cooking, heating or refrigeration, and a dozen large plastic jugs filled with tap water to use to flush the toilets. I also have candles, matches, flashlights, duct tape for the windows and other supplies. I will always head to one of my sisters’ houses if that is an option, rather than staying in my mobile home. So I count myself  in the ”prepared” group.

However, when the car, computer, printer or cell phone suddenly stops working, I can feel very unprepared for these situations. I don’t have a backup for any of these items and I am very dependent on them.

Thinking about this, I was drawn back to the first reading. With a bit of wisdom, I can put things back into perspective and figure out some solution. I have faith, friends and resources that are there to help me. There is such comfort and consolation in this reading.

·        Unfailing is wisdom

·        Readily perceived

·        Found by those who seek her

·        Hastens to make herself known

·        Whoever watches for her will not be disappointed

·        Whoever keeps vigil for her shall quickly be free from care.

That is such good news.

Wisdom is what we need every day to deal with the unexpected, the difficult, the overwhelming and the challenges we face.

And it is certainly what we in Loretto need to create a new future where mission and care of the sisters is ongoing. And it is also what the world needs to put an end to violence and conflict in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Haiti, Burma, Sudan and other places around the globe.

The Old Testament reading is reiterated in Matthew’s Gospel when we are told, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, and knock and the door will be opened.” What a relief to hear these words and take them to heart. I know and I imagine you know that we do not always receive what we ask for or find what we are seeking. What we will discover is a response, an answer that is different than what we had in mind. God knows better what we need than we sometimes do. It takes wisdom, and sometimes humility, to recognize that.

So our task is to remain attentive – open, listening, learning and willing to be surprised by what wisdom has to teach us. We recognize that we are blessed and fortunate, even if our vehicle, friends, family and weather all seem to be giving us grief.

When things go as planned, we believe that wisdom and preparedness have brought us to a good place. When things go more slowly or in a different direction, we must take the time to discover what wisdom is teaching us and to know that we are, in fact, prepared for whatever is coming our way.