Keep Awake

‘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

Some people get up very early in the morning, retiring early so they can meet the dawn. Others, like me can never get to sleep very early. When I was younger there was so much to do and now that I am older, the pattern is well set. Jesus tells a parable about foolish and wise bridesmaids and about being prepared for the groom's arrival. All of the women, foolish and wise had fallen asleep, and it was just half the women who did not have enough lamp oil. The others could have shared but Jesus wants us to see how important it is to pay attention. Not prepper type preparedness, but ready in our hearts and minds to receive the presence of the living God, for the Creator lives among us and we need to see.

Wondrous Creator, you make our world beautiful

feeding us with fields of grain and fruits abundant

and you prepare us to see you in all your glory.

Even when we are awake, we do not notice your love

so tied up in work and worry, we forget to look

and see your loving work here in these times.

Give us the strength to be prepared and awake

willing to have your love wash over us all

so we might be ready to welcome and to serve. Amen.