LAMPS BURNING WITH “OIL OF CHARITY” ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Friday, 1^st September 2017,

Twenty First Week in Ordinary Time

1 Thes 4: 1-8;

Ps 96: 1-2, 5-6, 10-12;

Mt 25: 1-13

LAMPS BURNING WITH “OIL OF CHARITY”

Today in the Gospel we see the worrisome experience of the foolish virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five of them were prepared to meet our Lord and the other five were not. When the Lord came, the five foolish virgins were off trying to get more oil for their lamps, and when they returned, the door to the feast was already locked.

Jesus tells this parable, in part, to wake us up. We must be ready for Him every day. And how do we make sure we are ready? We are ready when we have plenty of “oil” of charity for our lamps. So, the simple question to ponder is: “Do I have charity in my life?”

Charity is not merely a simple human love. It’s not just an emotion, feeling or attraction for things or people. It is much more. Charity means we love with the heart of Christ. Charity is a gift from God that enables us to reach out to and care for others in ways that are far beyond our own abilities. Charity is divine action in our lives and it is necessary if we want to be welcomed to the feast of Heaven.

Reflect, today, upon whether or not you can see the heart of Jesus alive in your own heart. Can you see Him acting in you, compelling you to reach out to others even when it’s hard? Do you say and do things that help people grow in holiness of life? Does God act in you and through you to make a difference in the world? If the answer is “Yes” to these questions, then charity is certainly alive in your life.

Prayer: Lord, make my heart a fit dwelling place for You. Let my heart beat with Your love and let my words and actions share in Your perfect care for others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.