Today, immersed in this month of November, during which the Church reminds us of the eternal truths, the "Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins" introduces us to the theme of the "Last Judgment." The central section of the Church's great "Creed," which deals with the mystery of Christ, concludes with the words: "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead."

From the earliest times, the prospect of the Judgment has influenced Christians in their daily living as a criterion by which to order their present life, as a summons to their conscience, and at the same time as hope in God's justice. Faith in Christ has never looked merely backward or merely upward, but always also forward to the hour of justice that the Lord repeatedly proclaimed. This looking ahead has given the "present" its importance for Christianity.

—Jesus, grant me the grace to live the present with an active faith, in deed and in truth, responsibly awaiting the hour of the Bridegroom.