“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. " The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that to be ready to meet Christ when he returns in glory, we must live with watchful readiness, and one of the best ways to stay ready is by recognising and serving him today in our sisters and brothers. Yet when it comes to serving others, we may often wait for a specific time or the perfect opportunity. This parable calls us to be more proactive in living out our faith.
The five foolish ones remind us that leaving things until the last minute can mean missing opportunities to act. We cannot always assume there will be another chance to help someone or make a difference. We are called each day to live with open and attentive hearts, ready to respond to the needs of those around us.
Like the prepared virgins, we should live our faith with purpose. We can prepare ourselves through everyday acts of kindness, generosity and service, making the most of the opportunities we have to support others. I believe the message is: we should be ready and always willing to act, rather than waiting for the ‘right’ moment.
Prayer Lord, keep our hearts ready and prepared. Help us be ready when you call. Through Jesus Christ Amen.
