Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Verse 10: “The bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet.”

As we return to this week’s gospel lesson we remember the scene – a wedding banquet. This celebration would’ve been a major marker on the family’s timeline. Great effort was put into these once in a lifetime celebrations. There was a lot of tradition in these events. There was joy and hope for the future. There was a looking forward in anticipation and excitement. And there was a bit of mystery in how these two lives made into one would grow and change and evolve.

A wedding is just one of the many rituals and traditions that we have that mark important stages in our culture. Some are secular – getting a driver’s license, graduation, starting a career… Some are religious – first communion, baptism, the Lord’s Prayer, Christmas… Each of these celebrations, rituals, and traditions are communal acts. We gather, we often share our wisdom and stories, we look forward together with hope and excitement, we add the event to our collective experiences. As we gather, we, like the bridesmaids, must be a part of the time together. These events often shape and form us.

As we worship today, wherever you are, whether in person or online, how will worship be a part of who and what you are right now? How will you be a part of worship? And how will the ritual and tradition shape and form you?

Prayer: Lord God, as we gather for worship, fill us with your presence and with one another’s presence. May our experience shape and form us, making us more like you. Amen.