Photo was taken at Gougane Barra, West Cork (Irl)

A student from Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí (Bantry Community College), begins a walk through the forest park as part of their TY Retreat Day

Thought on Sunday – November – 12/11/2017

Our Thought For Today is by Triona Doherty

‘It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.’ ~
Hugh Laurie

I’m not ready – we all think it or say it from time to time. It could be as simple as not being able to find your shoes to leave the house, or a more serious situation like being under-prepared for a work presentation. It can also refer to our emotional state – we might not be ready to talk about an experience, to change a habit, to enter into a relationship, or to let go of a loved one. No one else can tell us if we are ready for a situation or not. It is something only we know. But there is some wisdom in the quote above, in that sometimes we need to push ourselves, to just dive in.


The parable in today’s gospel pits two groups in stark contrast – the foolish bridesmaids who failed to prepare, and the sensible ones who were ready with their lamps and oil. Both groups fell asleep on the job, but only one group had laid the groundwork and so were ready for action. Jesus tells us we need to be watchful and ready. As well as having the light of faith, we need the fuel – the actions – to keep it lit so we are ready when the Lord comes.