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
We have been gathered here in Baltimore under tight restrictions due to Covid and have been doing our work in a shortened time. We have worked night and day to resolve the issues of our church. And, the unplanned and spirit filled moments abound. We have been able to work and also rejoice when the Holy Spirit breaks in, and tells us we are in holy and fragile times. It has been hard to keep awake sometimes, but God still moves in the quiet conversation and in the small changes of heart that become a tidal wave of compassion.
Wondrous Creator, you bless us with new vision
even when our eyes dim and we are so weary
you come to us in unexpected places and times
renewing the face of the earth and the hearts of the people.
Help us to stand firm in faith so we can be ready
equipped to follow you in these dangerous times
joyful and expectant in every breath we take. Amen.
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