As the Church’s year draws towards its close the readings invite us to reflect increasingly on the day we must meet Our Lord face to face, whether this is at the end of time, or at the end of our own time on earth. This is why the Lord tells the parable of the bridesmaids. We cannot know exactly when the Lord will come. Nor can we stay awake all the time – even the wise bridesmaids nodded off! However, we can be prepared for his coming. The oil in our flasks symbolises the good lives we have led. If we take God’s mercy for granted, and so do not live as he expects us to, then our flasks will be empty and our pleas to enter the wedding hall may fall on deaf ears. Today is also Remembrance Sunday. As Catholics remember with gratitude those who have given their lives in times of conflict for our freedom and peace but we also pray for them. We ask God’s mercy on those who were not ready to meet him face to face that his loving acceptance of Our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross may cleanse them of all sin.