Be Prepared

 

The kind of waiting Matthew is encouraging (Mathew 25:1-13) is difficult. Waiting for something way overdue or waiting for something you’re not sure will even come is challenging. How about waiting for someone who is the center of your life and not sure when he or she will arrive? It’s irritating and thoughtless if we are left in the dark, although in fairness he or she may not know themselves. In any case, it's unnerving. This special arrival involves preparation but being so distracted, it's hard to concentrate on the tasks at hand. And what about waiting for a return call from a doctor or lab? There is no way to prepare; what’s done is done. We just wait. The anxiety and stress of the “in-between time of waiting" can be difficult. 

This parable reminds us that we are not alone in our waiting. Upon closer look Jesus is speaking of his own “in-between time;” his own time of waiting. The scene is set between Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and his trial and crucifixion. And one thing on which Matthew and the other Gospel writers agree is that Jesus knew what was coming. Yet here he is, still teaching the crowds; debating his opponents, and instructing his disciples…even as he waits for the coming cross. When he gets to the garden we know how difficult waiting was for Jesus, and how all his followers were so “hard to find,” even after he asked them to wait with him.  

Waiting for Jesus’ imminent return is difficult for most of us to conceptualize; yet, Jesus’ presence is with us always. Each time we work for justice, we testify to the presence of Jesus. Each time we help one another, we testify to Jesus’ presence. Each time we stand up for the poor, or reach out to the friendless, we testify to the presence of the Risen Christ.  

We are the Church. We are those who wait for each other. We are those who support each other in times of pain, loss or bereavement. We are those who help each other wait, and prepare, and keep the faith. In all these ways, we encourage each other with the promises of Christ. That’s what it means to be Christ’s followers, then and now.