November 6, 2011 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 25:1 - 13

"Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."  Matt. 25: 13

Why do you do what you do?

When I read this passage I think Jesus' message to us today is more about motivation than action---

In the preceding passages we see he had silenced the leading authorities not necessarily by challenging what they said but by pointing out what they were trying to do--trick him, establish their superiority, gain recognition, hide from the truth--their motivations.

Those who do good to be seen, or refrain from evil because they're afraid of being caught are so vulnerable.

---They're sorely tempted when no one is looking--

---They're unprepared when the Messiah suddenly shows--

As you read the passage see if you can change and generalize in into today's time and your own awareness.

1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, "Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 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.' 10 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. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, "Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he replied, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

As we move toward the time of fervent prayer "Come, Lord Jesus, come." perhaps we can benefit by looking deeply within and honestly asking:

How aware are you?

for Kingdom living is conscious living!