Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." - Matthew 25:13

Ten women wait for a bridegroom, all carrying lamps, but only five thought to bring extra oil. When he's delayed past midnight, the five without oil go to buy more, and by the time they return, the door is already shut. Not locked in spite, Sister. Simply shut, because the moment had already passed and they weren't standing in it.

Wisdom names what the wise ones actually had that the foolish ones lacked: not more devotion in the moment, but foresight built up over ordinary time. She is readily perceived by those who love her, found by those who seek her - she doesn't hide from anyone who actually looks, but she doesn't wait forever for someone who keeps meaning to get serious later either.

You are being carried home by every prayer still said for you, and those who went before you are being carried home by your prayers.

Readiness isn't a feeling you can manufacture the night before it's needed. It's built the same way the wise women built theirs, ordinary night after ordinary night, oil bought before it ran out.

Paul's second reading gives the reason none of this has to be grim: we grieve, but not like those without hope, because God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. The waiting is real. So is what it's waiting for. Check what oil you've actually been keeping in reserve tonight, not just assuming you have.

Name one place where you've been running on borrowed readiness - meaning to restock later instead of now. Do the actual thing tonight, not the plan to do it.

Lord, don't let me be caught buying oil after the door has shut. Keep me watching, and keep my lamp actually full. Amen.