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God rises through our living in ways we cannot perceive or understand. And each of us must find our own way both of staying immersed in the oil and of being present to the concerns of the world.
*Margaret Silf, Lighted Windows
Scripture: Matthew 25.1-13 (NLT)
Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
1“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Comments
In this Advent Selection from Matthew we can see the oil, wick, fire, and light indicating a process of readiness for the comings of the Christ Presence.
1) The Oil
The oil is the Holy Spirit, or God Presence. For the light to shine we renew daily our baptism: our immersion. Through spiritual practices of prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, corporate worship, witness, confession, accountability, acts of kindness, observance of Holy Communion, ... we stay immersed in Grace.
2) The Wick
The wick is our core being. Our spiritual essence remains immersed in the One we call God. This is the contemplative life: living a communion-of-union with the Word of Life.
3) The Fire
The fire is the divine energies; that is, the manifold ways the potency and nature of God manifests to, in, and through us. Such ways include the triad of love, joy, and peace.
4) The Light
The light is the reflection of God in our lives to others. The light is where and how our lives, in Christ, touch the world of all creatures. Our witness is through the working of the divine energies. We offer outward to others what the Holy Spirit works within us.
Reflections
1) In what ways might we experience Christ’s Coming?
2) What are the means you engage to keep immersed in the Presence of Grace?
3) How would you define your core self?
4) How do you see your life being a light to other persons?
5) In the parable above, why do you think the five bridesmaids who were prepared did not share oil with the other five who did not have enough?
6) What is the one word that most describes what you long to receive from God at this point in your life?
7) What is the one word that most describes what you long to share with others at this point in your life?
Turn to next page for information on OneLife Ministries and the author’s book.
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