RECOGNIZED BY GOD
Today’s gospel reading has a central theme on preparedness. I naturally translate that into packing the right things for a trip - the right clothes, food, or supplies. Being someone who thinks ahead for most things regarding my physical well being, it is easy to believe “I’m ready”. In times past though, I’ve understood this reading to be more about ensuring my prayer and spiritual life are sufficiently in order for God’s arrival as opposed to “bringing the right supplies”. Today, I found myself drawn to the exchange at the end of the reading. “Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." He did not know them. What do I need to do to ensure the Lord “knows” me? Perhaps the me God knows is my best self, the woman he is slowly helping me to become. Perhaps preparedness begins with an attentiveness to choices I’m invited to make to stay grounded in who I am, who I am becoming. I know that for me this actually starts with many choices regarding my physical well being: eating as I need to, sleeping enough, and moving physically. But I can see that attentiveness and responsiveness in many other areas plays a large role in my preparedness. Choosing to call a friend when I need help processing something, making space and time to sit with God at the beginning or end of the day, choosing to go for a walk when I notice I’m frustrated or anxious, saying hello to a stranger, choosing to sit just a bit longer observing nature from the porch, helping a friend in need, taking a 5 minute break between back-to-back meetings to reset, sitting with a disheartened co-worker, checking in with God, connecting with friends over dinner or a hike. Perhaps these are all tiny acts of preparation ensuring I am my best self, ready for God, known by God, and recognized by God.
What might you be invited to be attentive to, to be known by God, recognized by God, prepared for God?
Joan Ervin