Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 8 November 2026

12 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away, and is easily seen by them that love her, and is found by them that seek her.

13 She preventeth them that covet her, so that she first sheweth herself unto them.

14 He that awaketh early to seek her, shall not labour: for he shall find her sitting at his door.

15 To think therefore upon her, is perfect understanding: and he that watcheth for her, shall quickly be secure.

16 For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, and she sheweth herself to them cheerfully in the ways, and meeteth them with all providence.

R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

2 O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!

3ab In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

3cd In the sanctuary have I come before thee, to see thy power and thy glory.

4 For thy mercy is better than lives: thee my lips shall praise.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

5 Thus will I bless thee all my life long: and in thy name I will lift up my hands.

6 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

7 If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I will meditate on thee in the morning:

8 Because thou hast been my helper. And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings:

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

13 And we will not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept.

16 For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, shall rise first.

17 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord.

18 Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.

Or

13 And we will not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

42a, 44 Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.

2 And five of them were foolish, and five wise.

3 But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps.

5 And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.

9 The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.

11 But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.

13 Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

Scripture places a deep desire for God at the heart of readiness. Wisdom is found by those who seek her, even meeting them along the way. The psalm gives that seeking a human voice: “My soul is thirsting for you.” This is more than a passing religious feeling; it is a steady turning of the heart toward the Lord, in the morning, at night, and throughout life.

The parable of the virgins shows why such preparation matters. All of them grew tired and slept, but only some had brought oil for the long wait. Christian vigilance is not anxious excitement about the future. It is the quiet practice of keeping faith alive through prayer, obedience, and love, so that when the Bridegroom comes, we are ready to recognize him. This hope reaches beyond death: those who have died in Christ will rise, and the Lord will gather his people to himself. In times of loss, this promise gives comfort; in ordinary days, it gives direction. We prepare by seeking God now, trusting that our thirst will finally be satisfied in his presence.

Lord God, awaken in me a lasting thirst for you. Give me the wisdom to seek you before other desires claim my heart, and teach me to remain faithful through seasons of waiting and weariness. Keep the lamp of faith burning in me through prayer, mercy, and patient love. When I face sorrow or remember those who have died, strengthen me with the hope of Christ’s resurrection and his promised coming. Help me live this day ready to meet you, trusting that your mercy is greater than life and that you will gather your people into everlasting joy. Amen.