Of the many stories Jesus told concerning his next advent, I find the parable of the bridegroom and the ten virgins focuses my mind on my own preparedness for his certain return. The harsh reality that many may anticipate such an important event and yet some could miss out for reasons of neglect or insufficient thoroughness should cause us all to take serious note.

I often marvel at the many pigeons that hang out around our towns or city centres, actively searching for food, yet very aware of the multiple perils that are mobilised around them. While busy with life’s activities, especially the need for food, they remain vigilant and ready to make a quick escape should any threat get too close for comfort. This state of alacrity (readiness to do) means that unlike other animals foraging for food, you rarely find dead pigeons by the side of the road.
This story told by Jesus, ends with the challenge of, ‘Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.’ We therefore could do well to live in a state of readiness as we prepare ourselves for the next advent of Christ.

Many of these kingdom stories Jesus told make sharp contrast that leaves us in no doubt of God’s expectations of his followers. For the listeners to this story he made clear that of the invitees to the marriage, all had intent to attend (went out to meet the bridegroom), all did some form of preparation (took their lamps), all experienced common human needs (slumbered and slept), and all were involved in activity of one type or another (arose and trimmed their lamps).
However, when the call finally came, some found themselves under-prepared, with critical decisions delayed, important priorities not correctly allocated and plans not fully thought through. Only those with the forethought to prepare reserves were fully ready to meet the bridegroom before the door was shut. The others went scrambling to find extra fuel but returned only to meet rejection and dismissal.

I would be a rich pastor if I had a penny for every time people tell me of the things they believe they should be doing, the plans unfulfilled, or the priorities jettisoned for other activities of less importance.

Church life, whether on a personal or organisational level, can so easily drift into religious activity that might not reflect the directives Jesus espoused. Like the prophets of old sent to draw Israel’s attention back to the laws from which they had drifted, or the apostles pleading with the early churches to remember the words
of the Lord when he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ we are now challenged to check our preparedness for the Messiah’s return.

The proper allocation of our time, skills or financial resources will determine our true state of readiness. Our intentional relationship with and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit ensures that we are properly guided, empowered and prepared for Jesus’ return. It is easy for us as individuals and as part of a church community to become distracted with activity unrelated to the commands of Jesus. In my own journey, I have continually reviewed my own actions or inactions in the context of my own preparedness. This process of working out our salvation with fear and trembling cannot be taken lightly. Diligence is necessary if we are to avoid apathy, slackness, or other peril.

The warning of Jesus at the conclusion of the story to ‘watch’ implies active and clear awareness. It suggests that we pay serious attention to avoid being left frustrated, disappointed, deflected or depressed by the harsh realities of living and serving in today’s world. I am continually challenged about my own walk of faith and over many years of service have become very aware that many have lost focus, direction and sometimes even hope as they are confronted by life’s challenges.

Today, I encourage you to stay on alert, wait with alacrity. If a pigeon’s readiness to take flight can provide us the evidence that we don’t have to perish on the wayside, may we apply the same alacrity to our personal faith journey so we as individuals become and remain fully alert and ready for that return. As part of his wider church (bride) community let us also make ourselves ready as we know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming!