Matthew 25:1-6

“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.” vss, 2-4

Most folks are familiar with the parable of the ten bridesmaids, five of them foolish and five wise. It has a decidedly apocalyptic flavor and like other gospel passages about the end times and the coming of the Lord, warns readers to be prepared. There is likely to be a delay, and if we’re not ready we could miss the celebration.

It’s hard to know what to do with such passages. Not only do we wonder what we’re getting ready for, we don’t have any idea about the required oil, or what we need to do to get it. What we do know is that Jesus is telling his disciples to expect the unexpected, because most of the important stuff that comes our way in life comes without warning!

And if we’re not ready, whatever that means, there will be a disaster, and certainly no celebration!

Now obviously that can mean a lot of different things in our lives, but in general it likely refers to spiritual resources. Some of the things that happen in life can’t be prepared for. They come out of the blue, and no matter how well we’ve prepared there will be adverse effects. But if we’re in the right relationship to God and are spiritually strong, there will be virtually nothing that we cannot handle.

Thought for the Day: What am I not ready for?