In today’s parable from Matthew, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom to come to the wedding banquet.  Sad thing is five of them do not have enough oil.  Five do.  When news of the bridegroom’s approach reaches them, the five need more oil.  While they are away getting oil, the bridegroom arrives.  Then banquet begins and when the five arrive late, they are not allowed in because the bridegroom does not know them now.

The lesson is to be prepared. The hour of return is unknown to us too.  Metaphorically, Jesus is the bridegroom, we are the virgins, and the banquet is the celebration of the return of Christ.  The oil represents the Holy Spirit and our faith is the lamp.  In our walk of faith we must keep our lamps burning, shining forth with the light of Christ.  To do so we must seek the Holy Spirit, that symbolic oil for our lamps.

Each day when we pray for guidance, direction, and God’s presence, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time we we read and meditate on His Word, we are filled.  Each time we gather and worship, we are filled.  Each time we stop and care for one in need, we are filled.  God loves to pour His Holy Spirit into us because then our light shines bright.  Be filled today and every day!!

Scripture reference: Matthew 25: 1-13