Matthew 25:1–13
Jesus said to his disciples, "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."
Reflection
How do I prepare for readiness to serve God?
Do I always focus on action instead of recognising how God
is at work?