The First Reading this morning from 1 Corinthians 1 is about God’s foolishness. The reading ends with the verse 25 which says For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.  The reading also says that the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. God has made foolish the wisdom of the world and for those of us who believe it does probably seem like foolishness to those who do not.  The Gospel Reading for Matthew 25 is about the foolish  bridesmaids who wait for their master without enough oil in their lamps.

Of course, these readings for me are quite moving. The message of the cross that I am to carry does seem like foolishness to those who believe I do not deserve such a heavy burden.  Also, I pray that I may have enough oil in my lamp to last until the Master arrives to welcome me into the banquet.   I believe that God’s foolishness is wisdom. We do not always understand it but I most certainly trust it. I do not know exactly how many people will be strengthened by my journey, nor do I know how many may be broken by it. I must trust that there will be more in the first camp than the second.

Last night, my friend and I sat out on the beach chairs, listening to the ocean waves crash on the shore, as we gazed up at the stars as they began to appear in the dark night sky. We shared a good conversation and I felt great peace out there, two dots in our huge universe.  We are called to shine as bright as those celestial lights here, revealing the glory of God. As I prepared to go to bed, I thought of the last time I was here in Mexico. My friends and I had gone to an art gallery in Bucerias, and one of the paintings by the artist haunted me in a good way for the remainder of the trip.  I went back on Holy Saturday for one more look. It was at the Easter Vigil that evening that I realized what the message was – I was to walk through every open door that was presented to me that year. I did so and was incredibly blessed by the opportunities which were presented. Looking back, I suspect God was already nudging me to live more fully and shine more brightly

i think that we do not understand God’s foolishness on this side of heaven but we will learn what all the wisdom was when we get Home.  We need to carry enough oil in our lamps to let our light shine so that the Master can find us  and enough trust deep in our souls to accept the crosses we are given.  None of us know the hour or the day that the Holy One will return but I for one believe in the foolishness of this Way.  As with the photo above, the cross does not end with death, but with life everlasting.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions?

Do you have enough oil in your lap and trust in your heart?

Is God nudging you in a way that seems foolish right now?

Prayer

God of the Universe, Creator of all things, we are but dots that reflect the stars in the heavens here on earth. Help us to shine as bright lights in the world, moving others to wonder with awe at your mighty works.  Amen.