Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

This Gospel speaks of readiness, wisdom, and faithful waiting, and it resonates deeply with the life of Saint Augustine. In his early years, Augustine desired truth and happiness, yet he searched for them in ambition, pleasure, and worldly success. Like the foolish bridesmaids, he had longing, but he was not yet truly prepared to meet the Lord. His heart was restless until it found its rest in God.

The parable shows that discipleship requires more than good intentions. The wise bridesmaids brought oil for their lamps, a sign of the inner life of faith: prayer, trust, love, and obedience. Augustine came to understand this through a long journey of conversion, helped greatly by the prayers of his mother, Saint Monica. When he finally surrendered to God’s grace, his life was transformed. He became a man watchful for the presence of God, not only in great moments, but in daily faithfulness.

The delay of the bridegroom reflects the experience of many believers. God’s timing can seem slow, and the heart can grow distracted. Augustine knew that struggle well, yet his story shows that God patiently calls each person to deeper readiness.

This Gospel is both a challenge and a hope. It calls us to keep our lamps burning and our hearts open. Like Augustine, we are invited to move from restlessness to readiness, so that when the Lord comes, we may enter fully into his joy.

How much oil is in your lamp today?