THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

 

READINGS AT MASS TODAY

Wis. 6:12-16

Psalm 63

1 Thess 4:13-18

Matt. 25:1-13

Theme: AN EXTRA JUG OF OIL

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Today, our Gospel reading recounts the parable of the ten virgins; five of whom were wise and the others, foolish. The difference between the wise and the foolish was the extra flasks of oil that the wise carried for their lamps. These flasks of oil became treasured assets when the bridegroom delayed in arriving and the waiting period became prolonged. 

Beloved in Christ, it is wise to have an extra flask of oil at hand in the journey of faith. Life can be complicated and unpredictable. The bridegroom may delay, and the waiting period may become unexpectedly long. 

Life may present us with long waiting periods filled with hopelessness and terrifying emptiness that seeks to drain and dry the fuel out of our faith's lamp. To keep the flame of faith alive, we must have an extra flask of oil at hand; a source of refreshing and strength to keep us going when life expects us to power down and wallow in darkness. 

Beloved in Christ, our constant dwelling in the presence of God is our extra oil. Only the continual presence of God can keep us through the dark nights. To have the Lord is to have wisdom, for Jesus is the wisdom of God, and with the Lord's presence, nothing can shake us. (Psalm 16:8). Dwelling in the Lord's presence requires a personal relationship with Him; a daily commitment to know, love, and serve Him. It is in His presence that we are continually re-fueled for  life's journey.

PRAYER

Lord, may I continually dwell in your presence to keep refuelling my faith's lamp to keep it burning in the face of long dark nights. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.