It’s an excellent feeling when we receive recognition for being prepared for work, school, a sport, or family events! It’s an awful feeling to be left out or left behind, because we failed to plan. Jesus reassures us that He is coming again. Are we, the Church and Bride of Christ, prepared to meet our Lord, the Bridegroom? In the parable of the 10 virgins, they all went out to meet the bridegroom. Five wise ones brought oil for their lamps while the foolish five brought none. The bridegroom was delayed, and they all grew tired of waiting and fell asleep. They awoke when the bridegroom arrived, and the wise virgins were ready. We can assume that if you have a lamp, you know how to keep it lit. Did the foolish virgins care to be prepared, or did they expect the others would take care of their needs? When were the times in our lives when we stopped caring or relied on others to take the burden of responsibility for us? Were they times when life didn’t go the way we expected, when we lost our patience with loved ones, and when hopelessness overwhelmed us? Did we begin to care again when we awakened to what was at stake? The lamps symbolize our lives. Our Catholic faith provides us with unlimited “oils” to keep our “lamps” lit. Available to us are the “oils” of the Holy Eucharist of the Mass, sacred scripture and tradition, the Sacraments, Holy Saints and Angels, and our family of faith. We are called to a joyful and intimate relationship with Jesus and to share His love with others. We must always carry with us the premium fuel of our faith to keep our lives lit. Let us be prepared to meet Him.