Word from the Pastor

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters,
“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” — Matthew 25:13
Have you ever missed an important appointment because you were not prepared? Have you ever run out of gas because you ignored the warning light? Have you ever waited until the last minute to do something you knew you should have done a long time ago?

We all know how to prepare for the things we consider important. We prepare for weddings, birthdays, vacations, work, school, and even unexpected emergencies. We check our calendars, make reservations, set alarms, and organize our schedules.

But here is a question we must ask ourselves: How much time do we spend preparing for the most important appointment of our lives: our encounter with God?

We prepare for almost everything, but do we prepare for eternity? We worry about running out of money, running out of time, and running out of gas, but do we ever worry about running out of faith, love, patience, and forgiveness?

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us a serious wake-up call: "Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." He tells us the parable of the ten virgins to remind us that preparation cannot be postponed until the last minute.

Don't Wait Until Tomorrow to Be Ready!

Rev. Fritzner J. Bellonce
Pastor