32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 08, 2026
Readings: Wisdom 6:12–16; Psalm 63:2–8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Matthew 25:1–13
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Ten virgins - five wise, five foolish There is so much going on around us that we rarely keep pace with the things happening to us. Often we are lost because we have not given attention to small things. As a result, we miss big things. We regret and feel sorry that we were so stupid to miss such wonderful opportunities. Once the time passed, there is no point in brooding over, instead, get back to the senses and be ready to grab the future possibilities. As we continue to remember those who have passed and gone ahead to be with the Lord, the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time liturgical readings invite us, especially the Gospel reading, to remember that we must not miss the opportunities that are ahead of us. We must be attentive, watchful and ever ready to grab the momentum to win the race of our lives. |
1. A Call to Spiritual Preparedness
In the Gospel of today, Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus presents the parable of the ten virgins who take their lamps and go out to meet the bridegroom. Five are wise and bring extra oil, while the other five are foolish and fail to prepare adequately. When the bridegroom is delayed, all of them become drowsy and fall asleep. But at midnight, the announcement comes: "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" The wise virgins are prepared, while the foolish ones find themselves without sufficient oil.
Even though, the parable looks simple yet challenging. The message is clear and loud: we must always be prepared to meet the Lord. The bridegroom represents Christ, and the wedding feast symbolizes the Kingdom of God. The lamps represent our lives, while the oil symbolizes the faith, love, prayer, goodness, and spiritual commitment that sustain our relationship with God. We cannot fall asleep and miss the big things. A short moment of pleasure can take away the last lasting gift of eternity.
2. Dependency on others may not guarantee our wants
Christian readiness is not about living in constant fear of death or the end of the world. It is about living faithfully every day. We cannot suddenly become loving, compassionate, forgiving, and generous at the last moment. These qualities must be cultivated throughout our lives. We see in the parable the wise virgins, who are capable yet do not share their oil with foolish ones. Though selfish yet truth of the matter is that it cannot be shared, borrowed or transferred. .
There are certain things in life which cannot be borrowed. We cannot borrow another person's faith, prayer life, relationship with God, or personal commitment to goodness. Our parents may pray for us, our teachers may guide us, our priests may encourage us, and our friends may inspire us. But ultimately, each one of us must cultivate our own relationship with God.
3. Keeping the Lamp of Hope Burning
The scripture invites us to keep the light burning and shining. A lamp is useful only when it gives light. Similarly, our Christian faith must become visible through our actions. A Christian who speaks about God but lives with hatred, dishonesty, selfishness, and indifference is like a lamp without oil. We must nurture everyday acts of compassion, mercy and service. Moreover, we should be ready and always willing to act, rather than waiting for the ‘right’ moment.
We often think too much about death and not about how well to live our lives on this earth. We must cultivate a sense of deep awareness about God's presence in and around us. We must practice the virtues and good attitudes: kindness and generosity, gentleness and humility. Moreover, Jesus invites us not to be distracted by wealth, power, ambition, entertainment, and worldly success but to focus on spiritual awareness and goodness.
Questions for self-reflection
- Is our lamp burning with the oil of genuine faith?
- Is our relationship with God alive or merely external?
- Are we practising forgiveness, compassion, and generosity?
Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that my earthly life is a journey towards eternity. As I remember my departed loved ones during this month of November, strengthen my hope in the resurrection and eternal life. Keep the lamps of my heart burning with faith, hope, and love. Help me to live each day with compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, always prepared to welcome Your Son when He comes. May I remain faithful until the day I meet You face to face and share in the joy of Your eternal Kingdom. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Fr. Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
