Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I remember how seriously many people took their spiritual lives. One biblical passage that deeply challenged me was the Gospel of the ten virgins. It made me realize that some people may miss the kingdom of heaven, not because they never believed in God, but because they became careless about the salvation of their souls.
In today's Gospel (Matthew 25:1–13), the five wise virgins prepared their lamps with sufficient oil, while the foolish ones were unprepared. All ten were virgins, all carried lamps, and all awaited the bridegroom. Yet, only five were ready when he arrived. Beloved, it is not enough to begin the journey of faith; we must persevere until the end.
The first reading reminds us that wisdom is found by those who earnestly seek her (Wisdom 6:12–16), while St. Paul encourages us to live with hope in the resurrection and eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).
My dear friends, nobody can pray your way to heaven for you. Your parents, priests, friends, and loved ones can support you, but nobody can borrow you their holiness, faith, or spiritual preparedness. We must each take responsibility for our souls.
Therefore, let us examine ourselves: Is the oil of prayer, love, forgiveness, repentance, and good works burning in our lamps? Or have we allowed sin, pride, worldly pleasures, and spiritual laziness to extinguish our light?
Remember, the bridegroom may come when we least expect him. Do not postpone your conversion until tomorrow, for tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
My take-home message: Keep your lamp burning, guard your soul, persevere in holiness, and live each day prepared to meet the Lord.
May the Holy Spirit grant us the wisdom of the five wise virgins, that when Jesus comes, we may enter with Him into the eternal wedding feast.
Amen.
