Listen

“Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out.’

“But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘No, because if we share with you, there won’t be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut.”

Matthew 25:7-10

Think

Parables can be tricky. They are like a gift inside a box. We know that there is a treasure inside that should be handled carefully, but it is hidden. Sometimes it is hard to unwrap it.

In this story, some people have not gotten themselves ready to meet the one who is coming, and they suddenly have to scramble. It seems to be a story about when Jesus comes back to earth and makes all things new. The parable says that some people are not ready for this to happen. They have not paid attention to the things they are supposed to do.

What is it that makes us ready for Jesus to return? The women in the story needed oil so that their lamps would let them see. I wonder if we also need to be able to see if we are going to welcome Jesus back. We need to see who Jesus is and how he wants us to live. If we have made enough light around us, will that make us ready?

Ellen Di Giosia

Question to Ponder:

How can we share the light of Christ today?

Pray

Dear Jesus, help me to see you as you truly are.

Help me to share light with my words and actions that I might be ready when you return.

Amen.

Go

I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.

Romans 8:38-39