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

Throughout my life I have had mostly a good relationship with sleeping. As a child, I remember fighting sleep and aching to be part of the adult life goings on. As an adult I have found it hard to fall asleep at times, with all the worries and concerns floating around my head. And, as I am now in the elder part of life, I find it harder to stay awake late, and books and movies put me to sleep. Rest and sleep are essential to our lives and our health. Jesus is not asking us to do away with daily rest nor is he telling us to never take sabbath or vacation. Jesus is reminding us to be alert, aware of all that is going on around us. We can get so wrapped up in our live that we miss the needs and opportunities before us. We can forget love instead of judging. We can sidestep compassion and focus only on our own needs. We are called to be always a part of the ups and downs of life and community and lend our hearts and minds to healing and restoration.

Wondrous Creator, we are held by you

rocked as small babies are rocked to sleep

comforted when we are feeling so sad

and renewed each day with each sunrise.

Too often our worries and care distract us

the small things become stumbling blocks

we are distracted and torn by so much pain

and we look for ways to avoid others here.

Help us to be awake to your call to love

help us be ready to sit with the sorrowing

make us compassionate and responsive here

so that your love might pour down on all the pain. Amen.