It is 31st August 2018. The readings are from 1 Corinthians 1:17-25; and the Gospel from Matthew 25:1-13. Some of us are right on-time always for anything and everything. Some others even go before time. But most of us come with the statement as we enter, ‘sorry, I am late.’ Being late tells about our internal orderliness so visibly. To be chronically late is indeed a psychological sickness that can cost losing spiritual blessings. When we value and show total commitment and interest, we never become late and we never blame the circumstantial situations like traffic, and family emergencies. When we do not care anymore, when we have become less responsible in the course of time, when we cannot say no to certain things, when we begin to please ourselves and our personal pleasure more than the common good, when we do not plan and prepare ahead, when we overstretch ourselves with the tasks that cannot be completed in a given time, we become terribly late and lethargic. It is all about motivation and focus to achieve what we desire to. There is no one out there to remind including our cell phones and other gadgets. Even with all sophistication, people are late. It is not what we have and where we are makes us to be punctual, alert and attentive rather what we are inside that makes to be on time. Self-motivated and organised people cannot afford to be late. We begin to acquire internal strength and wisdom by being on time and attending to everything just on time. Some consider that to be little early for anything is foolish and impolite. What looks foolishness to the eyes of the world offers the leverage of wisdom. In the first reading, St. Paul defends that the Cross is the paradox that God chose to redeem us. Suffering is even though is painful yet it offers the inner joy one requires. Yes, the Cross, a symbol of suffering seems to be foolish in the eyes of the world yet it reveals and offers the wisdom for the sinful soul. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Cor.1:25). The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “The Lord fills the earth with his love.” (Ps.32:5). The Gospel teaches us that we could be called foolish when we are not ready and on time. People could look down upon us when our life does not have the light of Christ anymore. We may have lamps yet without light. Christian life without virtues and values. When our lives are ready and alert in all we do and say, we become so blessed by the Lord. God recognises every tiny effort we make to be alert and on time and rewards us accordingly. May you have a good day. God bless you.