Monday, November 2, 2026

Scripture

“Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:13

Reflections

The Christian life is an expectant life.  We expect for Jesus to return.  When he returns, we expect that there will be a grand celebration.  We expect that he will make all things right.  We expect to live eternally with him.

Jesus gives us the image of ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom.  As we know with weddings today, some take longer to get ready than others.  Back then, the bridesmaids would wait with the bride at the bride’s parents’ home.  The groom would eventually come sometime later in the evening, escorting the bride to the waiting celebration and their new life together.  The bridesmaids who were not prepared for the duration ended up missing out.

There will come a day when Jesus will come as a bridegroom to embrace his bride, the church.  He will come to claim his own.  A whole new future awaits, filled with celebration, joy, and bliss.  Those who are not prepared for the duration will miss out.  Those who are mindful and prepared get to enjoy the much anticipated future.

Jesus calls us to be prepared.  He calls us to persevere even when it seems like it’s taking a long time for him to return.  As tempting as it may be to lose sight of his return, we do well to be ready.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for claiming me as your own.  Help me to live this day with my eyes focused on you, knowing that no matter what may come this day, a bright future awaits.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Matthew 25:1-13