Lighting the Lamps

Jesus said, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, `Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." Matthew 25:1-13

Daylight savings has ended and the sun was up early this morning. My mother thought she overslept, but indeed was up plenty early to go to church. Tonight, sunset will come early and the nearness of winter will become more real, as the sun lingers less and less each afternoon. I become aware of getting ready for the winter, putting the last vestiges of summer away, and pulling out the sweaters, hats and gloves. It's another season of preparation.

Jesus continues explaining God's reign, and how we must be ready for the arrival of God with us at all times. He tells a story of lighting lamps, of waiting through the darkness knowing God is coming at all times to be with us. We are to always be prepare, body, mind and soul, for the presence of God made real in our lives. We are invited to live expectantly, knowing every moment is potentially holy, every moment is sacred and pregnant with God's love.

Today, I ask God to help me live with an open and ready heart, and a readiness for God moving in my life, in new and dynamic ways. Help me to not be complacent but rather expectant and joyous. May we all prepare our hearts, expecting every day to be holy and every encounter the face of the living God.

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.