Today, we listen to the parable of the ten bridesmaids, a story that Jesus shared with his disciples to teach them an essential lesson about being prepared for His coming. Today, is also Remembrance Sunday and we take time to pause and remember those who have served and died in the name of peace and freedom.

In the Gospel today, Jesus tells the story of ten bridesmaids who were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, prepared with oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and had none. When the bridegroom finally arrived, the wise bridesmaids were ready to greet him with brightly lit lamps, while the foolish ones had to leave to buy oil. It’s at this point that the door was shut, and they were locked out.

The parable serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of readiness in our faith journey. Just as the wise bridesmaids were prepared to meet the bridegroom, we too must be spiritually prepared to encounter Christ when He comes into our lives. Our faith is not something we can put off until a more convenient time. It is not something we can purchase at the last moment. It is something we must cultivate, nurture, and cherish every day of our lives.

So, how do we prepare our spiritual lamps with the oil of faith, especially in the face of life’s uncertainties and challenges?
First, we must maintain a life of prayer and worship. Regular prayer and participation in the sacraments fill our spiritual lamps with the oil of grace, enabling us to shine brightly in times of darkness.

Second, we must embrace acts of love and charity. Acts of kindness and generosity not only illuminate our own souls but also bring light to the lives of those we serve. Third, we must seek knowledge and understanding of our faith. The more we learn and grow in our understanding of God’s Word, the better prepared we are to live our faith authentically.

In conclusion, let us be like the wise bridesmaids, prepared and vigilant in our faith, ready to encounter Christ in our lives. Let us also be inspired by the sacrifices of our veterans and armed forces, working tirelessly to ensure that the peace they fought for endures. May God grant us the grace to shine brightly with the light of faith and the commitment to build a world of lasting peace.