Homily for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time

In today's parable, the bridegroom arrived quite late and would have been thrilled to discover that some bridesmaids were there to meet him. Despite his late arrival and their long wait, their perseverance was a testament to their unwavering faithfulness.

Immediately after relating this parable, Jesus told His disciples, "Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." He wanted them to remain faithful, particularly when He seemed absent, and their expectations of Him were unmet.

Jesus wants us to keep our light burning right to the end, through good and bad times. This constant commitment to faithfulness shows our devotion to the Lord and trust in His love.

Earlier, Jesus referred to His disciples as the light of the world and encouraged them to allow their light to shine so that others could see their good deeds and give glory to God. Continuously keeping our lamps burning and allowing our light to shine until the end involves carrying out the good works that the Lord asks of us for as long as we can.