Judgment Day Certainties And
Uncertainties
The theme for today’s Gospel is usually heard during Advent or Lent, when preparation for the end-time or Judgment Day is dealt with. The parable of the
10 virgins talks about a Jewish marriage tradition. Everyone prepares
for and anticipates the coming of the groom by having vigil lamps
equipped with oil. The virgins represent all of us who are awaiting the
coming of the Lord Jesus, represented by the groom.
Nobody knows the exact date and time of the Lord’s coming. What is sure
is it will come and everyone should be prepared. If we are caught unprepared, like the five virgins who went out to look for oil, we will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom.
Judgment Day may mean the ultimate day when the world will end and
be subject to God, but it could also mean our death. When we die, we
face judgment. We know that death is a mystery, but it is also a
certainty. It comes to anyone at anytime and in any place. And in death,
age does not matter. No one can say he is too young or too healthy to
die.
We ask, “Why does the Lord not inform us fully when these things will
happen?” Would it really matter? If we know the time and place of our
death, how will we live our lives? We will be more time conscious rather
than be more concerned with living a meaningful and fruitful life.
Let me end with an anecdote. Once, in the seminary, a formator was
seated on his rocking chair, reading a newspaper. I approached him and
asked, “Father, if the world will end in an hour, what will you do?” The
priest stopped rocking his chair and stared at me. After probably
sensing that I was serious with my question, he answered, “I will just
continue reading and rocking my chair!” Indeed, we must always be
prepared. When Judgment Day comes, there is nothing we can really do but continue what we were doing. Fr. Benny Tuazon
REFLECTION QUESTION: If the world will end in an hour, what will you do?
Father, help me to always be ready to meet You, anytime, any place.
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