SO Be Prepared

"Be Prepared" is good advice, but does not always work. "Stuff happens," life can go wrong and we are caught off-guard.

In the parable of today's Gospel, the same thing happens. The bridegroom does not come on time. Five of ten bridesmaids were not prepared for this change in plans. They miss out on the wedding.

Jesus tells us to be prepared for the moment when we must give an accounting of our lives to God. That is scary given the state of our lives.

However, there is another way to hear this parable. It changes everything.

Jesus, the Bridegroom, also came with a shout to forgive sinners and those who were not prepared.

He has filled our lamps with oil. There will always be enough.

Therefore, we are free to live unafraid of what will happen to us, generously giving away our lives to others in faithful stewardship of all that God has given us.