Gospel

Matthew 25-1:13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.  Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, ’No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'  While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'  But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful parable about spiritual readiness. Jesus tells the story of ten virgins, five wise and five foolish, who are waiting for the bridegroom's arrival. The wise virgins are prepared with oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones are not.

When the bridegroom finally arrives, the wise virgins are ready and enter the wedding feast with him. But the foolish virgins, who had to go buy oil, are left outside, knocking on the door, only to be told, "I do not know you."

This parable teaches us that:

- Spiritual readiness is crucial for our faith journey

- We must be prepared to meet the Lord at any moment

- Our spiritual preparation cannot be borrowed from others

- We must take personal responsibility for our spiritual growth

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Are we spiritually prepared to meet the Lord?

- Are we taking personal responsibility for our spiritual growth?

- Are we relying on others for our spiritual nourishment, or are we seeking a deeper relationship with God?

- Are we staying awake and alert, waiting for the Lord's return?

May we heed Jesus' warning and stay awake, for we know neither the day nor the hour of his return. May we be like the wise virgins, prepared and ready to enter the wedding feast with him.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you, reflecting on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. Help us to be spiritually prepared to meet you at any moment.

Give us the wisdom to take personal responsibility for our spiritual growth, and the courage to seek a deeper relationship with you.

May we be like the wise virgins, prepared and ready to enter the wedding feast with you. Forgive us for relying on others for our spiritual nourishment, and help us to stay awake and alert, waiting for your return.

We pray for those who are not prepared, that they may seek you with all their heart. We pray for those who are struggling in their faith, that they may find strength and encouragement.

May we heed Jesus' warning and stay awake, for we know neither the day nor the hour of his return.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ