Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel Lesson of the Week 
The 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus tells a parable about his own second coming, emphasizing the need for readiness at all times.

Jesus said to the disciples: ¹“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ²Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; ⁴but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. ⁶But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. ¹¹Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ ¹²But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ ¹³Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Gospel Refection Questions: 

• Think of the times in your life when you have been foolish or unprepared. As you think of these times, remember that God loves you now and even loved you in your foolish times.
• The “lamp” is often used in the Gospels as an image for God’s word and how we can show God’s love in the world, our “lamplight” – Think of three ways you can show God’s love to others this week.
• As wedding feast is a time of celebration – How can you celebrate God’s love for you this week?

Prayer: 

O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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