In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. All carried lamps, but only five brought extra oil.

The difference was not that some stayed awake while others slept, but that some had prepared for the long wait.

Our Christian life is much the same. Faithfulness is not about doing extraordinary things every day, but about remaining faithful in ordinary moments.

The oil in our lamps represents prayer, faith, love, forgiveness, and generosity. Here in the Philippines, despite rising prices, family struggles, and daily difficulties, many people continue to pray and trust in God. This simple faith reminds us that faith must be more than religious practice; it must become a way of life.

We must not become so busy doing things for God that we forget to spend time with God.

And when our faith grows weak, we should not despair. The remedy for a dying lamp is not despair; it is to begin filling it again.

As we remember our departed loved ones this November, let us also remember that, because Christ is risen, death does not have the final word. We grieve, but we do not grieve without hope.

The important thing is not simply to have a lamp, but to keep it burning.

May our lamps remain filled with faith, hope, and love, and may we always be ready to welcome the Lord.

🙏 Keep your faith alive. Keep your love burning. Keep your lamps ready.