Our liturgical year begins, and the readings remind us to watch with hope for the coming of our Savior. Advent is a 4-week period before Christmas where we prepare ourselves for Christ to be born again in us. Jesus will come again.
On this final Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate Jesus our true king. Jesus is our king who shepherds us to treat our neighbors with mercy and love. Jesus is our true king and judge.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to discern what we will do with the gifts and talents God has given us. All that we have come from God. Do we put our energies in the service of others and the building God’s Kingdom?
Today’s Gospel challenges us to wait and be ready. Most of us have a tough time waiting for the people and things we long to encounter. The parable of the ten virgins points out that while we all want to see the bridegroom, we are not all prepared.
We must live authentically where our words and deeds are connected. Our friends and family can often challenge us with the example we give. Jesus invites us to be an example of how Christians should live.