Homily: November 8, 2026, Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Running out of the Spirit)

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 “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

I invite you to read the parable of the ten virgins again when you go home today. Or simply reflect on this one sentence: “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

The oil in this parable can remind us of the Holy Spirit. Imagine these words as a prayer: “Lord, give us more of your Spirit, for without your Spirit, the light of our lives is going out.”

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to reflect on the end times. Our earthly lives will come to an end, and one day, the world itself will come to an end. But the important question is: Will our lamps still be burning when the Lord comes?

Our Christian life is a life in the Holy Spirit.

Throughout salvation history, our heavenly Father spoke through the patriarchs and prophets. In the fullness of time, he sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us, redeemed us through his death and resurrection, and before returning to the Father, promised us the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Helper.

We received the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Through Confirmation, we were strengthened with his gifts. And through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, God continues to nourish and renew our spiritual lives.

We can receive the Holy Spirit and still fail to live by the Spirit. We can have a lamp, but neglect the oil that keeps it burning.

How do we keep that flame alive?

The first reading, from the Book of Wisdom, gives us an answer:

“Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.”

Found by those who seek her!

We must seek the Holy Spirit. We must invite him into our lives every day. We must make a conscious choice to listen to him and follow his inspirations.

Imagine a life filled with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Imagine how different our lives would be if we truly allowed these gifts to guide us!

A person filled with the Holy Spirit does not simply brighten his own life; he becomes a light in the lives of others.

And such a person will always be ready to meet the Bridegroom, whether he comes tomorrow or many years from now.

So let us not allow our spiritual lamps to run out of oil.

Cling to the sacraments of the Church. Go to confession regularly. If grave sin has separated you from God's grace, return to him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Receive the Holy Eucharist worthily and frequently. Pray to the Holy Spirit every day, and allow him to guide your choices.

The foolish virgins waited until their lamps were going out to look for oil. The wise virgins prepared while there was still time.

Let us not wait until the last moment to seek the Holy Spirit.

And let us make this our daily prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart. Fill my life with your wisdom, your gifts, and your grace. Keep the lamp of my faith burning brightly, so that whenever the Bridegroom comes, I may be ready to welcome him. Amen.


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