Is wisdom rare?

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present an opportunity to reflect on wisdom. The Book of Wisdom personifies wisdom as a desirable aspect of our relationship with God. She is found by those who seek her. We do turn to the Divine for wisdom and our experience is that we do encounter her on our paths and in our thoughts. The letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is one of the earliest Christian texts. Paul addresses the coming of the Lord as an early concern of this community. Friar Jude Winkler suggests that perhaps a member of the community has died and the survivors need to understand the situation of their friend when Jesus returns. The early Church expected Jesus to return within their life times. The liturgical year is drawing to a close and the Church brings us liturgy and Word to encourage reflection on the end times. The Gospel of Matthew contrasts the situation of those who are prepared to enter into the deep relationship with Jesus, the bridegroom with those who appear to be missing the opportunity. Wisdom is presented as the quality of the prepared bridesmaids who have used their resources to acquire enough of the valuable oil to see them through. The ill prepared have apparently decided not to use their resources to prepare to be able to see the bridegroom and as a result will not be able to accompany him into the wedding. The message of Matthew advises that we do not know when the end of our earthly lives will happen. It is never too early to prepare our lamps for that time.