How does a lamp keep burning? Through a continuous supply of oil. If the lamp runs out of oil, the lamp will go out.
It does not need a huge amount of oil; what is important is its constant drip feed.
Imagine you are a lamp. What are the continuous drops of oil that keep you burning?
I suggest they are the small daily things of life: a smile, a handshake, a word of support, a moment of attention, a phone call, a card, an embrace, a helping hand, a present, a visit.
These, and no doubt others I cannot recall, are the drops of oil that enable our lamp to continue to burn.
Our Gospel this Sunday is given the heading “The Wise and Foolish Virgins” from the Gospel of Matthew (25:1 – 13). We know the story well enough. Ten bridesmaids go to meet the bridegroom. Five take extra oil; however, given the late arrival of the bridegroom, the bridesmaids need to trim their lamps with extra oil, and those without extra oil askedthe other bridesmaids for a share of theirs.
Then comes the most telling line in the entire passage: “They replied, ‘There may not be enough for you and for us.’” Since when has selfishness been a part of being wise?