XXXII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - A

First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13

Today is the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. As we know, Advent will begin in just two more Sundays. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, today's Gospel reminds us to remain awake, vigilant, wise, and prudent because we do not know when Jesus will return in glory: “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

We do not know when he will come, but one thing is certain: he will come again. The Gospel we are meditating on today is the first of three teachings in Matthew 25 concerning the Kingdom of God, the glorious coming of the Son of Man, and eternal life.

In today's parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to ten virgins waiting to meet the bridegroom. To participate in the heavenly banquet, the wedding feast of the Lamb, we must keep our lamps burning. The lamp represents our faith, the grace we have received through Baptism, and our readiness to encounter the Lord. But what kind of oil must keep our lamps burning?

The oil we need is the oil of love.

This oil comes from God, who is the very source of love. It cannot be bought or borrowed; it must be received from God and freely shared with others. And when should we share this love? Now! We must share it today, because when Christ comes again, it will be too late to begin preparing ourselves. Those who live in love are always ready to go out and meet the Savior whenever he comes. Love is not something we practice occasionally; it is something we must share every day.

Indeed, all three teachings in Matthew 25 invite us to reflect on the importance of love: the love that keeps us spiritually awake and prepared for the Lord; the love that enables us to multiply and share the talents and gifts God has entrusted to us; and the love expressed through concrete acts of charity, especially toward those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, or imprisoned.

Wisdom and prudence help us remain vigilant and teach us how to use the gifts we have received from God. The first reading reminds us how precious wisdom is. Wisdom enables us to recognize what truly matters and to live according to God's ways.

In the second reading, Saint Paul addresses the young Christian community in Thessalonica, encouraging them not to grieve like those who have no hope. He reminds them that those who have fallen asleep in Christ have not been forgotten. They, too, will be raised by God and will be with the Lord forever.

Paul wants the Thessalonians to understand that death does not have the final word. Our Christian hope rests in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death cannot separate us from the love of Christ, and those who die in him will share in his victory and glory.

As we approach the end of the liturgical year and prepare for Advent, today's liturgy invites us to examine our lives and ask ourselves:

• What or who prevents me from staying awake and being ready for Christ's coming?

• Am I keeping the lamp of my faith burning through prayer, wisdom, and love?

• Am I filling my lamp with the oil of love by sharing God's love with others every day?

Let us remember: We cannot wait until tomorrow to love. The time to love is now. The time to forgive is now. The time to serve is now. The time to share God's love is now.

 The oil that keeps our lamps burning is love