Waiting is not easy

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12 November, 2023Eloise Quinn-Valentine (Lay Reader)

55 24th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 27 GFH Sunday 12 November 2023
Sermon 2 3rd last Sunday A (Matt 25 1-13) FINAL.pdf

Jesus knew this when he told his disciples the parable of the 10 bridesmaids, waiting to go into the wedding feast. Jesus would soon be crucified, the disciples would be persecuted, and Jesus could be a long time in returning to overcome evil once and for all, and restore creation to the way God intended it in the beginning. 

To us, 2000 years on, it might seem that Jesus is running late. That his return is taking forever. It is easy to be dispirited on the one hand, and complacent on the other. Jesus’ return will be in God’s time and therefore will be the right time. In the meantime, God has given us everything we need to be ready.

 

Matthew 25:1-13

25 ‘At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 ‘At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” 7 ‘Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” 9 ‘“No,” they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” 10 ‘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. 11 ‘Later the others also came. “Lord, Lord,” they said, “open the door for us!” 12 ‘But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” 13 ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

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