“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
– Matthew 25:10-13
In the Bible, oil is always a symbol of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God within us. And that’s why I believe that when Jesus is telling this parable, He’s in large part talking to the Pharisees. Probably men who started out with lives full of joy, full of the Holy Spirit, but who, as they got older, ran out of flame, ran out of fire, and just simply became men of rules, statutes and rights. In Jesus’ words, they were whitewashed tombs. They were gorgeous on the outside but dead on the inside. They were lamps without oil. They had everything they needed to burn but no fuel. Nothing on the inside to bring light or warmth or fire. This is the greatest temptation for every religious person. You have the lamp, you have everything that you need for burning, but no oil. That’s why Jesus says to the Pharisees, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. But these are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me and have life.” The Kingdom of God comes in waves, and when it comes, it’s a celebration, it’s joyful. That’s why staying full of the Holy Spirit’s oil is so important to being whole and happy students of Jesus. |
Prayer
God, fill my lamp with the oil of your Spirit and make me new from within.
Reflection
What can you do to keep from running out of the oil of joy and gladness in your life?
5 Responses
That is very easy to do . Always maintain contact with friends . Enjoy being together and talking about good times . Laughing and sharing good food and libation while listening to music . Talking long distance on the telephone. Celebrating happy events like the birth of a new child. Opening presents on Christmas Day and milestone birthdays . Attending family events like weddings and graduations and good old fashioned backyard barbecues . Going to a outdoor venue to enjoy a concert whether it’s classical or pop or whatever. Attending a sporting event. And just being thankful . Always put God first in your life . Never forget that
I would like to make a donation In Memory of Ruth Gelbman-Albert from mark and Ellen Gelbman. Ruth passed away on March 17 2017 in Oceanside California.
To me this is about being faithful. Sharing each others troubles, life circumstances, joys, and trying to be loving.
By enjoying the beautiful weather and nature that GOD has created on a daily basis to help out the needy & less fortunate people on a daily basis to be able to spend time with friends & family plus even that special significant mate that you love so deeply beyond Valentine’s Day but everyday & do fun social fun activities in and around the community as well!
Turn to our Lord every day – His Name is the Word of God. Read the scriptures, whether you feel like it or not. Holy Spirit responds solely to God’s Word: Christ Jesus. Read it eagerly, reluctantly, with excitement or an anticipation of boredom but read it; knowing that His Word has within itself, the power to bring itself to manifest in your life.