8 November 2026 · No. 104
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
“Wisdom, Truth and Readiness: Keeping Our Lamps Burning.”
Wisdom 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
The Word of God this Sunday invites us to seek wisdom, live in hope and remain spiritually prepared for the coming of the Lord. These messages speak directly to the theme of the first month of the 2026–2027 Pastoral Year in the Diocese of Kumbo: “Truth vs. Propaganda: The Battle for the Mind”, inspired by Jesus’ words: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
The first reading presents Wisdom as radiant, accessible and readily found by those who sincerely seek her. In a world filled with competing voices, misleading information and propaganda, we need divine wisdom to distinguish truth from falsehood, facts from rumours, and what builds up from what destroys. Wisdom helps us to think critically, speak responsibly and make choices guided by God’s truth rather than emotions, prejudice or manipulation.
In the second reading, St. Paul encourages Christians who mourn their departed brothers and sisters not to grieve like those who have no hope. Our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus assures us that death is not the end; those who have died in Christ will share in his glory. This truth gives us hope, courage and perseverance, even in times of suffering, uncertainty and insecurity.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids. Although all ten take their lamps and await the bridegroom, only five come prepared with sufficient oil. The delay of the bridegroom exposes the difference between outward appearance and genuine readiness. The oil reminds us of the personal responsibility we have to nurture our faith through prayer, God’s Word, the sacraments, good works and persevering love. Spiritual readiness cannot simply be borrowed from others or postponed until the last moment.
As we continue our pastoral journey, let us recognise that the battle for the mind is also a battle for truth, wisdom and spiritual vigilance. We must not allow rumours, fake news, hatred, fear and propaganda to extinguish the lamps of faith, hope and charity in our families and communities. Instead, let us become courageous witnesses of truth by verifying information before sharing it, rejecting malicious gossip, promoting reconciliation and speaking words that heal rather than divide.
May divine Wisdom guide our minds, the hope of the Resurrection strengthen our hearts, and the light of Christ keep our lamps burning. Let us remain vigilant, truthful and prepared, for we do not know the day or the hour when the Lord will come.
Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognise your truth, the faith to persevere in hope, and the readiness to welcome you whenever you come. May our words and actions promote peace, justice, reconciliation and love in our families, our Church and our society. Amen.