In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about ten virgins. Five of them are foolish and five of them are wise. They were all waiting to attend a wedding. The bridegroom was long delayed. When he finally arrived, five of them were ready, five were not. Read it and see how it worked out for them.
Our first reading today is from 1 Corinthians 1 where St. Paul talks about foolishness and wisdom.”The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Jesus dying on the cross…foolishness. To my sensibilities now, that seems like such blasphemy. But I can remember a time in my life when I really thought that way. Jesus? Ah, just a fairy tale! No one really believes that stuff. Christianity? Why, that’s just a crutch for weak people! Those are direct quotes from me!
Of course, now I know better. But, believe you me, more and more people these days share my opinions of old. They see Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, as irrelevant. The world has molded their thinking so much that they see us as a bunch of whacked-out fools. So how do we reach them? I think we need to be foolish enough to show them and tell them about the blessings and peace that come with knowing, loving and serving Christ.
Father, help us to be fools for Christ today. Help us to reach out to those who believe that the message of the cross is foolishness, and to show them the power of God. Amen.
For those who think that Catholic teachings are foolish, share with them A Minute in the Church to help them understand. Get copies today at www.GusLloyd.com.
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