November 08, 2026 – 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Wisdom 6:6-12 | Psalm 63:2-8
I Thessalonians 4:13-19 | Matthew 25:1-13
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
Today’s readings focus on the importance of wisdom, spiritual readiness, and preparing our hearts to meet Jesus. Our Gospel tells the parable of the ten virgins, where Jesus reminds us: “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
So let me ask you three questions.
—Are you ready to meet Jesus?
–Are you living your life with faith every day?
–Is your lamp still burning?
Jesus tells us the parable of the ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps and five were foolish and did not bring extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became tired and fell asleep. At midnight, a cry rang out, “Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”
The virgins woke up and prepared the lamps. Unfortunately, the foolish ones discovered that their oil was running out. While they went to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready entered the wedding feast, and the door was shut.
Jesus concludes the parable with the statement, “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
This parable is not simply about lamps, oil, or a wedding celebration. It is about our lives, our faith, and our relationship with God. It is about preparing ourselves to meet Jesus, who will come to us at a time we do not know.
Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us that wisdom is radiant and unfading. Those who seek wisdom will find it.
In the Bible, wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence. A person can have numerous degrees, own a successful business, or possess great wealth and still lack the wisdom to live a good and holy life.
True wisdom means learning to see life from God’s perspective. It means knowing what matters most and making choices that lead us closer to God.
The five wise virgins understood the importance of preparation. They did not wait until the bridegroom arrived to look for oil. They prepared beforehand.
Think about how we prepare for important events in our lives. St. Cecilia’s prepared for the Pride Festival happening this weekend beforehand. We reserved a booth, ordered banners, T-shirts, and brochures to be handed out. Thank you, Fr. Seamus and Cliff. Students prepare for exams. Couples, like Katrina and Dallas, prepare for their weddings and the birth of their first child. We save money for our retirement in 401 Ks.
Sometimes, we prepare carefully for everything except our relationship with God. We may tell ourselves, “I will return to church when life becomes less busy” or “ I will change my ways when I’m older.”
The problem with that thinking is that tomorrow is never guaranteed. The wise person does not postpone goodness. The wise person begins today! The best time to prepare our hearts for God is not tomorrow; it is today!
Now, let’s look at the symbolism in today’s parable.
What does the oil in the lamps represent?
The oil is a symbol of the spiritual life we cultivate through faith, prayer, love, obedience, and good works. It is important to notice that all ten virgins had lamps and all ten went out to meet the bridegroom.
The difference was that five had brought extra oil while the other five had not.
This symbolizes the difference between appearing to be religious and being spiritually prepared.
We can carry a Bible, wear a cross, attend church, and know the Lord’s Prayer. These are good things, but our faith must go deeper than outward appearances.
If we attend Mass every Sunday but cheat others in business, we need to examine our consciences.
If we speak about God’s love but gossip or bear false witness against others, we need to examine out consciences.
If we receive the Holy Eucharist but treat our neighbor with disrespect and hate, we must ask ourselves whether we truly understand the love of Jesus.
The oil of our lamps is only nourished when we love God sincerely and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Every act of kindness adds light to our lives. Every prayer strengthens our relationship with God. Every sacrifice made out of love helps us grow in holiness. Every time we forgive someone we allow God’s grace to work within us.
We do not become holy in a single day. Holiness grows through small, faithful decisions made day after day.
One of the most notable moments in the parable occurs when the foolish virgins ask the wise ones to share their oil. The wise virgins refuse, explaining that there may not be enough for everyone. At first, this response may seem selfish. After all, should Christians not share what they have?
Of course, we are called to share our possessions, our time, our gifts, and our love. But Jesus is teaching us something deeper through this parable: there are certain spiritual responsibilities that nobody else can do for us.
Our parents may teach us to pray, but they cannot pray in our place every day.
Our priests may celebrate the sacraments but they cannot make personal choices for us.
Our friends may encourage us in faith, but they cannot develop our relationship with God.
We are grateful for the prayers of others, and we should never underestimate their power, but each of us must take responsibility for our own spiritual life.
In the second reading, Paul speaks to the Thessalonians about those who have died. He does not want them to grieve like people who have no hope. As Christians, our faith is founded on the death and resurrection of Jesus, so death is not the final word. This is an important connection with today’s Gospel. When Jesus tells us to remain watchful, He is not asking us to live in constant fear of death. He is inviting us to live with faith, hope, and expectation of meeting Him.
Let us ask for the wisdom described in our first reading, the hope proclaimed by St. Paul in our second reading, and the readiness taught by Jesus in our Gospel.
Let us pray.
Lord, Jesus Christ. You are the Bridegroom who calls us to eternal life. Give us the wisdom to seek You, the grace to remain faithful to You, and the courage to live according to Your Will. Renew our faith when we grow weary, strengthen our hope when we face difficulties, and teach us to love You in our neighbors. May our lamps never go out and may we always be ready to meet You and find eternal peace and fulfillment.
Amen.