Behold the Bridegroom!
As we come to the end of the liturgical year, the readings are increasingly concerned with the end of time and the Second Coming of the Lord.
In the First Reading, Wisdom is personified as an attractive lady, who seeks to comfort and support those who love and seek her. She prepares us for the virgins in the Gospel who are looking out for the bridegroom.
Continuing the theme of watching, the Psalmist’s main ambition is to find God. He will certainly be ready when the Lord comes.
Using apocalyptic language, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that whether dead or alive, the Lord will be with them, so they can comfort one another. (Second Reading)
In the well known parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Matthew reminds his audience that the Lord will eventually come, but that we must not only exercise patience, but also be ready at all times to welcome him. (Gospel)
This week, we might pray particularly for all those who will be unprepared when the Lord comes, whether because they don’t know him, or because they have given up waiting.
