Gospel: August 28, 2026
August 28, 2026 (Friday)
21st Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (White)
St. Augustine, bishop & doctor
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven: Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were sensible. The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were, and did not take extra oil. But those who were sensible, took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.
But at midnight, a cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!’ All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The sensible ones answered, ‘There may not be enough for us and for you. You had better go to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.’
When the bridegroom came, the foolish maidens were out buying oil, but those who were ready went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut. Later the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered, ‘Truly I do not know you.’
So stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
Reflection:
Vigilance and preparation in our faith journey.
The parable of the 10 virgins powerfully reminds us of the importance of spiritual readiness. In this story, 10 virgins await the arrival of the bridegroom, symbolizing Jesus’ Second Coming. Five are wise and bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five, unprepared, find themselves without oil when the bridegroom arrives. The door to the wedding feast closes, leaving the unprepared outside.
This parable emphasizes the importance of vigilance and preparation in our faith journey. The oil symbolizes our spiritual lives—our relationship with God nurtured through prayer, scripture, and service. It urges us to take responsibility for staying spiritually nourished, as we cannot rely on others to provide for what only we can cultivate.
Jesus warns us to stay alert, for we do not know the day or hour of His return. This passage challenges us to live each day as if the bridegroom could arrive at any moment. Let us be like the wise virgins, keeping our lamps shining brightly and our hearts prepared to meet the Lord with joy and anticipation.
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