This week's readings focus on preparing for the Lord, who is coming. Though we are confident about the Lord's coming, we are unsure of the timing. So we are invited to prepare, be ready, be attentive, and watch out to avoid being found sleeping and unprepared. It might feel like we have plenty of time to get our houses in order, and perhaps we do. However, we should start with the
preparations now.
As in all things we engage with, we do not want to be caught by surprise, especially by the Lord’s coming. We want to be awake and attentive to what will be done in our lives and around us when Jesus comes. The familiar parable of the ten bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13) also encourages us to stay alert and be prepared. We are told five of the bridesmaids were foolish because they were not ready for the arrival of the
bridegroom. The other five bridesmaids were well prepared; they brought extra oil to keep their lamps burning because they did not know precisely when the bridegroom would arrive. They were alert.
The invitation is for us to be like the wise bridesmaids who were ready and waiting for the bridegroom. Perhaps with this first week, we had not entirely entered this season of Advent. However, with the second, third, and fourth weeks of
Advent ahead, we are encouraged to prepare what we need to and be ready for Christ’s coming.
What might you need to do as you wait for the Lord's coming? Spend time today asking God to help you see areas in your life in which you need to prepare, maybe healthy attitudes you need to develop.
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
