Readings:
Amos 5:18-24;
Psalm 70;
1Thessalonians 4:13-end;
Matthew 25:1-13 

Collect:
God our refuge and strength,
bring near the day when wars shall cease
and poverty and pain shall end,
that earth may know the peace of heaven
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection

Introduction Have you ever run out of fuel why driving? According to research statistics, nearly a million motorists a year break down after risking near-empty fuel tanks. The research by Green Flag (breakdown provider) also shows that about twelve million motorists run their fuel tank to almost empty before filling up. I will confess now that I’m one of those “red line runners” who will drive the car to the last drop fuel before filling. This is something my wife cannot get her head around! Apparently, every year at least a half million people call for help because they have run out of fuel. Besides flat tires, dead batteries, and misplaced keys, running out of fuel ranks right up there in the reasons why people call for roadside service. One might understand this happening a generation ago, when fuel gauges were not entirely accurate, and when all the warning lights of our day were non-existent. But now we have warning messages that our fuel is running low (giving us perhaps an hour more of driving), and then additional progressively urgent warnings indicating just how many estimated miles of driving we have left. One must say that most people who run out of fuel are “without excuse.” Why, then, do we do it, seemingly as often today as people did years ago, when all the advantages of technology were not available. 

The bible reading for this week’s Sunday is a very popular parable told by Jesus to his follows that addresses the problem of “running on red”. The Parable of the Ten Virgins, found in the book of Matthew in the New Testament, is a profound and thought-provoking story shared by Jesus. It offers valuable insights into of preparedness, watchfulness, wisdom, and the consequences of unpreparedness. This parable serves as a timeless lesson for individuals seeking spiritual wisdom and guidance in their lives.

Preparedness (Matthew 25:1-4) In this parable, Jesus introduces us to ten virgins who were waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and prepared for the long wait by bringing extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not prepare adequately. The parable reminds us of the importance of being ready for unexpected events or challenges in our lives. It encourages us to be diligent and proactive in our spiritual journeys, always prepared for the return of Christ or life's uncertainties. Just as the virgins anticipated the arrival of the bridegroom, we, as believers, are encouraged to anticipate and prepare for significant moments in our spiritual lives. This could include moments of personal revelation, growth, or even the return of Christ, which is a central belief in Christian theology. Being spiritually prepared means staying engaged, hopeful, and expectant of these moments, even when the timing is uncertain. The parable uses the symbol of oil to represent preparedness. The five wise virgins carried extra oil for their lamps, which allowed them to have light when the bridegroom finally arrived. This oil can symbolize various elements of spiritual readiness, such as faith, good deeds, prayer, and a deep relationship with God. Life is often unpredictable, and the parable reminds us that we should be prepared for both expected and unexpected challenges. It suggests that being spiritually prepared can provide guidance and strength during difficult times. It's like having a source of light to navigate the darkness when life's trials or unexpected situations arise.

Watchfulness (Matthew 25:5-9) The virgins' act of falling asleep underscores the reality that life can sometimes lull us into a sense of complacency or distraction. Just as the virgins were vigilant at first, we are encouraged to maintain that same level of spiritual alertness and commitment throughout our lives. The parable highlights that the wise virgins were attentive to the cry that announced the bridegroom's arrival. Being watchful means paying attention to the signs and opportunities for spiritual growth and connection with God. It's about recognizing divine moments and acting upon them.  Watchfulness is not limited to specific moments of anticipation; it's a continuous state of readiness. Just as the virgins didn't know when the bridegroom would arrive, we also don't know when significant moments in our faith journey will occur, we should therefore be watchful to avoid being caught unprepared as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 - "So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Wisdom and Folly (Matthew 25:10-12) The five wise virgins exemplify the virtue of wisdom. They made prudent choices by bringing extra oil for their lamps, which allowed them to be prepared for the bridegroom's arrival. Their actions reflect the wisdom of being proactive and planning for the uncertainties of life. The foolish virgins, in contrast, represent folly. Their lack of foresight and preparation left them in a vulnerable position when the bridegroom arrived. Their actions serve as a stark warning about the consequences of unwise decisions in our spiritual journey because the consequences of foolishness can be severe. The consequences of the foolish virgins' actions was their exclusion from the joyous celebration. This underscores the gravity of unwise decisions in our spiritual journey, which can result in missed opportunities, spiritual stagnation, or, in the ultimate sense, separation from God.

Conclusion The overarching message of this parable is clear: we are called to be spiritually prepared, vigilant, and wise in our faith. As we anticipate significant moments in our spiritual journey, we are reminded of the importance of preparedness, both in terms of practical readiness and a deep, active relationship with God. We are urged to remain vigilant, staying alert to the signs and opportunities that present themselves, and never becoming complacent or spiritually drowsy. The consequences of unpreparedness serve as a stark reminder of the eternal implications of our choices and actions in our faith journey.

Adedayo Adebiyi