Gospel Reflection: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 8, 2026
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Today’s Gospel often challenges me and makes me a little uncomfortable. I consider the wise virgins and think: didn’t Jesus teach us to be charitable? Then the foolish - isn’t being kicked out a pretty harsh punishment? So what makes one wise or foolish? I may be the foolish virgin when I’m not prepared, when I take things for granted, when I’m satisfied with getting by or expect others to come to my rescue, when I don’t take time to reflect or face consequences.
If I consider myself a wise virgin, I need to take a good look at my inner lamp. What does it look like? Is it filled with oil and free of soot and sludge? Is my oil running low? If so, what needs my attention to keep it burning brightly? Maybe I need to slow down and make more time for prayer. Maybe I need to spend less time on myself and more time with others.
Maybe you are like the wise virgins; your lamp is trimmed and burning brightly. If so, you can bring that light into the dark corners of the world that need your light and your love. In the end, the choice is yours. Today I choose to be...
Sister Rose Marie O'Barski, CSFN
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