Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-23) - Spiritual Virginity

Dearest Goddaughter, 

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr. She is the patron saint of musicians because, as the legend tells us (told to me by Fr. Callen Sweeney in his homily at Mass), Saint Cecilia sang praises to God on her wedding day. On her wedding night, she told her husband of her desire to give of herself fully to God and, after his own baptism, he agreed with her. She later died a martyrs death for God's greater glory.

After sharing this story of St. Cecilia, Fr. Callen talked about "spirituality virginity", in which our heart desires nothing but God and God alone can fulfill our deepest desires in life. We see that in the 10 wise virgins, in today's Gospel, who desires nothing more than to see the bridegroom upon his arrival. Unlike the 10 foolish virgin, who were unprepared, the wise virgins planned ahead and made sure they had enough oil to keep their lamp burning brightly for when the bridegroom arrives. They "stay awake,

for [they] know neither the day nor the hour."

We are called to do the same in our prayer and spiritual life, to desire nothing but God because we know if our hearts that only He can fulfill our deepest longing. We are called to live a life of "spiritual virginity" through prayer, going to Mass, spending time with our Lord in Adoration, and receiving Him in the Eucharist, and allowing Jesus to transform our lives so that we can become the best version of ourselves. The version that God created us to be.

Therefore, dearest goddaughter, continue to serve God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul. When you do, you will live life and live it abundantly because that is what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ desires for all of us - a life in Christ.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Hos 2:16bc, 17cd, 21-22 and Mt 25:1-13 (below).

. . .

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins

who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,

brought no oil with them,

but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

Since the bridegroom was long delayed,

they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight, there was a cry,

'Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!'

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.

The foolish ones said to the wise,

'Give us some of your oil,

for our lamps are going out.'

But the wise ones replied,

'No, for there may not be enough for us and you.

Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'

While they went off to buy it,

the bridegroom came

and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.

Then the door was locked.

Afterwards the other virgins came and said,

'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'

But he said in reply,

'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'

Therefore, stay awake,

for you know neither the day nor the hour."