In today’s story, let us focus on the lamp and the oil. All the ten virgins were given lamps. Let us say these lamps are freely given by the Lord. The lamp is the “life” given to us by God free of cost. Now we have to buy the oil to light the lamp and take it to heaven.

It is this oil that we need to enter into the heavenly banquet. Therefore, what could this oil be that will help us to take this life to the other world? In short, it could be the sum total of the goodness (the virtues) we performed and the deposit of prayers we made.

When we pray, actually we are depositing those prayers with God. And so, whenever we are in need of prayers, God will consider these deposited prayers for us. The wise virgins were not ready to share their oil with the others. Meaning to say, we may not be lucky enough to get some prayers from others when we may need them. Today is the right time to start depositing prayers with God. Spend more time for personal prayer that you may benefit from them later for yourself! This is the right time to prepare. If not, there may come a time which is too late!

The foolish virgins are asking the wise ones for some of their oil, but they were so selfish that they didn’t want to share any at all. Don’t be so selfish. Perhaps their sharing might have helped the others to enter the heavenly banquet with the bridegroom. Once again, this oil is the deposit of prayers. Therefore, don’t be stingy to pray for others that they may enter the heavenly banquet. This month of November, we are specially reminded of our own duty to pray for our brethren, especially for the departed souls, that they may meet God face to face.

Those virgins who never expected a delay in the Lord’s coming are called fools! What about you, are you a fool or a wise person? Do you expect things to happen as you want and at the time you want? Can you expect delays? Are you prepared to wait for the delay of God’s answer to you? We must be prepared for the delays and be waiting with the oil of prayers and deeds of charity.

Expect delays in God’s responses and so be prepared always.

God bless you all in abundance,

Fr. Charley