Scripture reading: Matthew 25:1-13

One too many times, I have encountered clients who present to the clinic with symptoms too late their prognosis is often already poor. What began as a minor complaint was ignored for far too long. By the time they sought help, it was often too late. In some cases, they had obvious risk factors but never screened. This is why diseases like cervical cancer remain so prevalent in our part of the world: many women do not get screened, and when they finally present with symptoms like persistent vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, it is often too late.

In today’s reading, it was too late for a group of virgins, described as foolish because they failed to prepare adequately for the return of the bridegroom. When their lamps went out, they needed extra oil, but they had none. As the Master delayed, the chances of their lamps still burning at His return grew slimmer. They wasted what was meant to be an opportunity to refill. They waited too long, and their lamps burnt out. When they finally went to get more oil, the bridegroom came. They missed the celebration of a lifetime. Jesus ends the parable with the chilling admonition: “Watch…” This parable was about His second coming. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise— He tarries out of mercy, longing for all to turn to Him. But the call is clear: we must be continually ready, sustained by His Spirit and His word that keeps our lamps burning. We cannot afford to let complacency lull us to sleep.

Being ready is an act of faith and wisdom. As the saying goes, he who fails to plan, plans to fail. What you postpone today may cost you dearly tomorrow. Watch! Stay alert. Don’t let your lamp go out. Do not defer to tomorrow what must be done today, lest you miss your appointment with destiny.

To watch means to be alert, to be careful, to be vigilant, to be conscious, to be intentional, to be well aware, to be in tune with the times and seasons. Watch—lest you fall. Watch, for no one knows the hour…

Let us pray                                          

Lord, help me not to delay obedience.

Keep me from the complacency that makes me ignore the promptings of Your Spirit.

May I be found ready, my lamp burning brightly, when You return.

Give me the wisdom to watch, to act, and to live each day prepared.

Amen.

Reflection                                                

What have you been postponing— spiritually, emotionally, or even physically— that you need to act on today?

Don’t wait. Seek counsel, take that step. Stay ready. Watch!