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500 years ago, in May 1521 Ignatius was recuperating in his family’s castle at Loyola after his legs were damaged by a cannonball at the siege of Pamplona. Bored, he began to read a life of Christ and the lives of the saints. Read More

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Daily Prayer - 2014-08-29

Presence

Lord, when I am feeling lonely,
remind me of your promise,
“You are never alone,
I am with you always,
Yes, to the end of time”.

Freedom

Lord, you created me to live in freedom.
May your Holy Spirit guide me to follow you freely.
Instil in my heart a desire
To know and love you more each day.

Consciousness

I remind myself that I am in your presence, O Lord.
I will take refuge in your loving heart.
You are my strength in times of weakness.
You are my comforter in times of sorrow.

The Word of God

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus said to his disciples, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

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Some thoughts on today's scripture

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  • It seems strange that the message of this parable could be read that only those who are prepared and wise, and may lack charity, will enter. So where does that leave those whose lives are chaotic or who don't have enough money to ensure they are prepared?
  • Faith is something stronger, deeper, but it does need tending and nurturing. It does not require money to strengthen it, just time and attention. The bridesmaids all “fell asleep” in some ways. However, some had the resources to rekindle the light they carried. It is true that our faith can grow weak, especially if we neglect it. We can cut ourselves off from God and leave ourselves out of the eternal banquet prepared for us.
  • How do the images of these lamps speak to you? Do you feel you have adequate oil within you to keep the light of your faith shining? What helps you to fan into a flame the gift of your faith?
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Conversation

Friends don’t keep secrets from one another.
As I pray, can I look at Jesus as my friend
And share my innermost thoughts with him
Trusting that He understands?

Conclusion

I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text.

Amen

Prayer for peace:

Following days of rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis called on Christians around the world to fast and pray for peace in Eastern Europe this coming Ash Wednesday.
“I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting for peace, I encourage believers in a special way to devote themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace protect the world from the folly of war.” Pope Francis, 25/02/2022

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