LAMPS IN THE NIGHT

                                                           Freepik

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise, and five were foolish. Five women wisely took care of the present, and planned for the future. Five women foolishly larked about, and slept when they should have ensured preparation for the future. 

When the call from God came that they pass over from earth to Heaven, five of the women were prepared to meet God with faith burning bright. The other five found themselves unprepared, and were not ready to be received into the full light of Heaven.

We are called to be like the wise virgins, watchful and prepared. We need to tend the lamps of our souls with care. This means that we need to live each day with faithfulness, by following the commandments and choosing what is good. It is important that we shape our lives around what endures rather than that which fades. 

Heaven is not reached by accident, but by a steady turning of the heart toward God through love, obedience, and quiet perseverance. Let us not be foolish by wasting the gift of time on passing trivialities that cannot last. Instead, let us invest our lives in what is eternal, so that when the Bridegroom comes, He may find us ready, our lamps burning bright.

Lamps in the Night

In hush of night when stars burn bright,
Ten maidens waited in silent light,
Their lamps held high in hopeful grace,
To greet the Bridegroom face to Face.

Five were wise with hearts aware,
They trimmed their lamps with patient care,
Their vessels filled with oil that stayed,
Prepared for joy that would not fade.

Five were foolish, light of mind,
They left their careful thoughts behind.
Their lamps grew dim, their oil ran dry,
Yet still they slept, 'neath darkened sky.

The midnight cry rang sharp and clear,
“The Bridegroom comes - His hour is near!”
The wise arose with steady flame,
Their lamps alive at Holy Name.

The foolish trembled, lost in dread,
“Our light is gone, our hope has fled,”
They rushed away to seek the oil,
But time was lost in hurried toil.

The door was closed, the feast begun,
The race of faith already won.
Too late they knocked with anxious plea,
But barred remained the mystery.

So let us walk with watchful sight,
And keep our lamps with burning light;
Through faithful hearts and deeds made pure,
In God’s commandments we endure.

For when He comes, both swift and true,
May He find light alive in you -
A flame of love that will not part,
Prepared in soul, and mind, and heart.