The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
(Matthew 25:3)
St. Augustine, whose feast we celebrate today, says that the foolish virgins who took no oil for their lamps were trying to please men rather than you, Lord. He compares the oil to your grace. If we don’t carry it within us, we are empty.
A note in the NAB describes wise people as those who do good deeds. In that case, the oil represents wisdom, which is charity.
Without your grace, we can do nothing for your sake. What have I done to serve my neighbor today? Have I said “Yes” to you at every opportunity? I will be silent now and reflect on this.