Got Oil?

Matthew Harrison

February 19, 2010
The old Milk campaign slogan from years ago came to mind at this month's Lectio Divina.
LDArchbishop Thomas Collins reflects on the parable of the ten maidens (Matthew 25:1-13).  This of course is the parable in which oil is a hot commodity -- and five of the lasses are without!  When they leave to get some oil, the bridegroom arrives.  Upon their return, the door is closed.  They plead: "Lord, lord, open to us." And the bridegroom replies: "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." The reflection ends "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
It's an appropriate text for this month as we begin the penitential season of Lent.  It's time to take stock of our lives, and see how much oil we have in our lamps.
Archbishop Collins leads into this parable with a recap of the end of Matthew chapter 24 (45-51), which carries a similar message to the ten maidens parable noting that the master will come on a day that is unexpected.  And as always, Lectio Divina is preceded by Vespers.
Pray our Lord’s parables, and join us for the broadcast edition of Lectio Divina with Archbishop Thomas Collins: The Parables of Jesus, Sunday, February 21st at 8:30pm ET with an encore presentation Wednesday, February 24th at 8pm ET, only on Salt + Light Television!