November 12, 2023

Sister Jan Ginzkey, OSB shares a reflection on the scripture readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

The Scripture readings today again contrast God’s ways of abundance and mercy.

with our human ways. In the book of Wisdom, she is always available, ready to welcome and ease our cares. I like to imagine  Wisdom as the warm, all-embracing mother, who greets everyone with a great smile and hug. Think of the stereotypical Jewish or Italian mother or perhaps you own mother or grandmother. Your family, your friends, whoever showed up at the door was welcomed in, invited to share her home cooked meal, and treated with love and respect.

Like the psalmist, we all are thirsting for God. Our souls are like the dry parched ground

that longs for the gentle rain to awaken the potential life buried inside our hearts. The psalmist says, “As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.”

St. Paul comforts and assures the Thessalonians that their loved ones who have died are going to be blessed with eternal life with God. All will be welcomed into the presence of God. All will experience new life.

The parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins reveals our human tendency to fear scarcity. I remember as a child thinking that the “wise” women were just being selfish.

At home and at school I was taught that I should always be willing to share with others.

Why were those five with extra oil so mean? How could the other five be expected to find a store open at midnight to buy more oil? After all they did not have 24-hour convenience stores when Jesus lived. By not sharing their oil, the foolish friends of the bridal couple were denied the opportunity to share in the joyful celebration of the wedding reception.

I asked myself, “When don’t I act because of fear that I won’t have enough?” Are any of my actions preventing someone from having what they need to survive? I can say that I probably have not created or directly caused anyone such harm intentionally. However, have I benefitted in any way that has increased someone’s suffering indirectly?

Pope Francis has made me more aware of my responsibility to think of how my lifestyle does affect millions of people and all of creation. Laudato Si and Laudate Deum have challenged me personally and each of us in the United States to reassess what I/we as an individual, as a member of Benet Hill Monastery, as a United States citizen must do to save our earth and all life upon it.

The synod this past month is another way Pope Francis is guiding us into a transformative way of being catholic (with a small c meaning universal) church. All countries, cultures, lay women, men, students, religious, bishops and cardinals and Pope listened and shared as equals at the round tables. I pray that the synodal process is utilized in all families, parishes, communities, dioceses around the world and especially in the United States. It is up to each of us as the church, the people of God, to practice our Baptismal privileges and responsibilities. It is true, we have to be the change we want to see! May we each seek to be transformed, to live the true values of the Gospel as Jesus did.