KEEPING THE LAMP BURNING
“The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.”
 
What's the oil?  What is the "fuel" that keeps our "lamps" burning brightly? We can name some: faith, hope and love and, of course, the other virtues. Living a life of virtue, living according to the will of God, is to keep our lamps burning brightly. Or, using the words of
St. Paul to the Thessalonians, “This is the will of God, your holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). To strive for holiness, to strive for heaven, keeps our lamps burning brightly.

Jesus tells a parable that you and I can use to reflect upon our "provisions" for our roles as expectant servants, waiting for any moment when there will be a grace offered, a "presence" experienced, a call made.  He invites us to reflect on what we need to "have" in order to "have what it takes" to respond at the right time and to respond fully.

But, what is it that we "run out of," when we are not ready to greet and accompany the Lord to the banquet?  What is it that we need, that we can't afford to have to go run and purchase more of, at the time of greatest need?  What lack of foresight would earn us the frightening name, "foolish"? Is there a virtue or an important aspect of discipleship that is missing, that we run out of ? What is that virtue that is missing in your life? Do you struggle with chastity? How about forgiveness? How about prejudice and ill judgment?

Fill your lamps with the oil of virtues so that when the Master comes, he will not say to us, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” – Fr. Cary