“My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” The cry of the human heart is expressed
beautifully in Psalm 62. At the depth of every desire we experience is a longing for God. The
challenge for us is not that we want something beyond us, but that we often settle for something
less than fulfillment of the depths of our inner desire.
Thirst reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. It leads to intuitive awareness that there is
something “out there” that will satisfy. In a desert, we seek out an oasis. Daily physical thirst is
met by the various liquids that we mix together to our own taste. The cry of the heart calls to be
heard by someone who understands.
On the other side of the deepest human thirst is Wisdom. “Resplendent and unfading is wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens
to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not
be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.” To love and to seek Wisdom
transforms our longings into a place for Wisdom to reside in us. When we go out into the world,
we meet her at the gate.
Reflection upon experience teaches us prudence, freeing us to discern truth, especially the truth
that is written into our very being. When this has become a habit of thought,we meet Wisdom
and allow her to influence us at the deepest level of our being. “For taking thought of wisdom is
the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care;
because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them
in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude.”
Many cultures still follow the ancient custom of a whole village bringing the groom and the bride
together for their wedding. When everything is ready for the feast, no matter what the day or
hour, someone has to supply light for the journey. This task fell to the bridesmaids, who carried
the responsibility to bring the lamps, wicks, and oil. When the call came, they had enough light
to help the groom find his bride. Wise bridesmaids prepare for every eventuality; inexperienced
bridesmaids supply only the lamps. Jesus tells this parable and appeals to His disciples:
“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
The close of the liturgical year highlights the theme that will start the new year in Advent:
expectation of the Coming of the Lord. Jesus invites us to understand that Wisdom can guide us
to discern His Coming and to prepare to meet Him when He comes in glory as the Bridegroom
for His People, the Church.
