The oil in the lamp

As we wait for the Lord, we must keep to heart these questions: How are we related to God? Are we prepared for His coming? How do we know that we have oil in our lives? How do we know that the Holy Spirit of God dwells in us, act upon us and through us? Being unprepared can lead us to unnecessary trouble or disaster. As we carry our lamp daily, we learn to be wise, prudent and endure to His words.

The Lord invites us today to have more oil in our lamp to enable us to work in His ways. We must always check the level of our oil in the key to everyday life. The parable of the ten virgins is played on the contrast between wisdom and foolishness of the virgins. The contrast is centred on their oil reserves and not on sleep because they all fell asleep (cf. Mt 25: 1-13). Jesus wants to draw our attention to the oil because He is well aware of our weakness and the hardships of everyday life that crush all our mystical enthusiasms. Our faith may become dormant as there are seasons of weariness and fatigue. Sometimes life chews us up, strips us of everything and returns us to our poverty. Sometimes it is a miracle to arrive at the weekend ... The Lord knows, let's be calm!

The parable wants to remind us of how much oil we have to put in the lamp, on the level of our fuel and about how much love makes us burn even in the weariness of an expectation that never seems to be fulfilled.

We must not think only of the expectation of the Lord, but also of that of a rebirth, of conversion, of our faithfulness to His commandment.

The word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path (Ps 119:105). He has given us the secret of His kingdom. It depends on us what makes up what we feel is lacking. He has given us the lamp (a symbol of His commandment) that we may know His words, serve Him with our heart and remain forever in His presence. The light in the lamp represents the teachings of His words hidden in our hearts. We must make our oil pure so that we can see through the light it produces; the light is Jesus Christ.

Today, Jesus encourages us to check the oil level. He asks us to take care of our lamp and keep the flame that lights up the night burning, waiting to enjoy the arrival of the groom.

 

Prayer: Lord, fill us with the oil of the Holy Spirit, of consciousness, of discernment and purity of heart that we may have direct knowledge of You other than ourselves. May the light from the cross of Christ penetrate in our hearts and reveal to us not only His love but the state of our souls.