THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY, November 8, 2020
(Wisdom 6: 12-16; I Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Matthew 25:
1-13)
This year there has been no lack of exhortation to be
forward-thinking. Since March the entire world has been urged to clean their
hands, maintain social distance, and wear a mask. These measures are insisted upon
to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Because health is valued, we need to
take care of ourselves in these and other ways. In the Gospel, Jesus exhorts
his disciples to be foresighted with the parable of the ten virgins. He does not have in mind the health of the
body but that of the soul.
The parable warns us to prepare for the return of Jesus at
the end of time. After almost two thousand years we wonder if Jesus is going to
return. Some Christians say, "No", that the return refers to his
resurrection from the dead. But we Catholic Christians look forward to his
coming at the end of time, although we have no idea when it will happen. We note
that the parable mentions a delay in the return.
We prepare for his coming by doing good works. The five virgins
bring extra oil to keep their lamps burning if the husband is late. Lighted
lamps are a symbol for good works. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his
disciples: "'Let your light shine before all, so that when they see your
good works, they glorify your Father who is in heaven.'” With the parable of
the virgins, Jesus tells the disciples that if they have not done many good
works for others, they will be left out of the kingdom.
Visiting the sick has always been considered a good deed.
Now with the pandemic, all the elderly are taken as sick in a sense. If they
contract the Covid virus, they are in danger of death. Therefore, they have isolated
themselves in their homes away from the bustle of people. However, by isolating
themselves from their families and friends, the elderly often experience deep
loneliness. It can be particularly depressing during the holidays. So we should
think of ways to correspond with the elderly in November and December.
Of course, we want to attend to our own family members
first. We should call them continuously if we cannot be with them in person.
The other day the newspaper described the dilemma of a family whose mother
lives in another town hundreds of miles distant. Usually the woman gets on a
plane to spend Thanksgiving with her children and grandchildren. But this year
not only the plane but also being in the midst of children run considerable
risks. The family has to double their efforts to be with their mother
virtually. In addition to communicating with Skype they can send you the traditional
foods of the season.
But our charity has to extend beyond the family if our light
will shine "before all." There are many lonely people in nursing homes,
whether the homes are upscale or basic. Some of the elderly do not have children
to visit them. In other cases the children have abandoned them. We find ways to
comfort them even with Covid's restrictions.
Soon we will be asking each other if we are ready for
Christmas. Of course, we will mean if we have bought gifts and decorated the
Christmas tree. This year we will want to prepare for Christmas also by doing
good works for the elderly, both relatives and those till strangers. We should
think of Christmas as a rehearsal for the Lord's return at the end of time. We
will be preparing for Jesus.
