The Last Sunday of the Church Year, November 24, 2024

The Last Sunday of the Church Year, November 24, 2024

“Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves” (Mt. 25:9). “Nah, nah, na nah, nah. We have oil and you don’t!” Can’t you just hear those teenagers taunting the oil-less ones in that snide, sing-song voice so irritating to those on the receiving end? Those five virgins may have been called “wise,” but they weren’t necessarily “nice.” Regardless of that display of selfishness, that little bunch of teenage girls went in to celebrate the wedding while those with whom they refused to share were denied entrance. As the parable began, all ten of the virgins counted themselves as a part of the wedding celebration. They were included. Even as they are roused from their sleepiness by the announcement of the bridegroom’s impending arrival, all ten—wise and foolish—were there, ready to be admitted. Only in the wake of the wise virgin’s (perhaps we should call them “wise acres”) selfish refusal to share and suggestion to go to the dealers, do those foolish ones absent themselves from the imminent arrival of the bridegroom with his beloved. Notice that when the bridegroom did arrive, he didn’t conduct a lamp inspection, checking to see if they were well-lighted and well-oiled. Those awaiting the bridegroom’s presence, including the wise virgins, simply trusted the groom’s invitation that those present would go in with him and his bride to celebrate the marriage. And so, they did.

Prayers from those feeling inadequate as they wait…

Holy Father, you have bid us wait until the time of your Son’s glory, while we wait hold us in eager confidence that your promises are sure, and your Word is certain. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Holy Father, you have bid us wait until the time of your Son’s glory, while we wait put your Word on our lips that we would encourage our neighbors to wait in confidence as well. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Holy Father, you have bid us wait until the time of your Son’s glory, while we wait set our hands to useful tasks for the building up of our families, our neighbors, and our communities. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Holy Father, you have bid us wait until the time of your Son’s glory, while we wait grant to the Institute of Lutheran Theology the fulfillment of its purpose and the joy of seeing its purpose fulfilled. For Jesus’ sake. Amen

Holy Father, you have bid us wait until the time of your Son’s glory, while we wait let us not lag in the hearing of your Word for that Word and that Word alone sustains us through these days of our baptism. For Jesus’ sake. Amen