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. (Matthew 25:10 NRSV Bible)
The foolish bridesmaids in our scripture reading today were not ready. They went to get more oil for their lamps. Meanwhile, the wedding had already started. Matthew 25:11 says, "Later the other bridesmaids came also saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you." The bridesmaids were not allowed to enter the wedding celebration.

We also will not be allowed to enter God's kingdom unless we are prepared. We have all heard the phrase--there are two things in life that are certain--death and taxes. In our American culture, it seems to be a taboo to talk about death. We often talk about people passing away. People don't pass away. People die. In my life as a minister, I often have to deal with death, and I have learned that death often is a gift. For some, death is a relief from a hard life. For others, death is freedom from physical pain. And for still others, death is a rebirth into a new life that is eternal.

I think that since life is such a fragile thing at best, we should be ready to meet God in this life and the life to come. Matthew 25:13 says, "Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

God of all things, may I not live in fear of death, but may I be ready for my time to come to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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