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Towards the end of the church's year our thoughts are directed towards preparations for the end-times. The first reading is from the book of Wisdom, a philosophical work of Greek origin. It is purported to have been written by King Solomon and sometimes referred to as the Wisdom of Solomon, but is now known to have been composed many centuries after his time. It was a common technique in the first century BCE to write under the name of a hero of ancient times. The purpose of the book was to strengthen the faith of the author's fellow Jews who were in danger of abandoning their faith for pagan or secular philosophies. Here the author exhorts his readers to seek wisdom which is accessible to all who search for her. Wisdom, he explains earlier in the work, helps a person to live a virtuous life and brings immortality.

In today's gospel Matthew gives some practical implications of receiving wisdom. The situation described is of ten bridesmaids, five foolish and five sensible (often translated as "wise"). The five foolish ones took their lamps but brought no more oil but the five sensible ones took extra oil as well as their lamps and so were prepared to go and meet the bridegroom when he finally arrived. The wisdom Matthew describes is a practical wisdom about salvation. According to Jewish tradition the oil stands for good works. The foolish bridesmaids lacked sufficient good works and since each person is responsible for his or her salvation, they could not depend on the responsible behaviour of the sensible bridesmaids to save them. The closed door indicates that salvation is not automatic.

This gospel may seem harsh and unyielding but take comfort today from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians which points toward the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ - the resurrection we can all look forward to at the end times. Pray with the psalm today and sense your own longing for God, then let Paul's letter be a source of comfort and hope for you.

At the same time pray for that wisdom we all need especially as we face the temptations and counter-pulls on our Christian faith and life today. In what areas of your life do you need a renewal of wisdom? Are you carrying the extra oil you need to make sure you are ready for the kingdom when it arrives in its fullness? Choose a word or phrase to carry in your heart this week to give you strength and encouragement.