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What helps you to be ready to face the day? Do you ever launch into your day without eating or drinking anything? How does that work for you? Our bodies, minds, and spirits typically do better with nourishment and hydration.
As is so often the case, our biological systems reflect a deeper and wider reality. As members of the Body of Christ, Jesus’ parable reminds and challenges us to not neglect the preparation that empowers this Body. Just saying we are spiritual, go to a church service now and then, contribute to a mission project, sign up for yoga (but don’t actually go), or agree to serve on a committee does not magically enable us to make a transformative difference in the world. We need the necessary preparation, the “oil” for the lamps of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Jesus daily and throughout his day listens, praises, prays, studies, and worships alone and in community to open to the flow of God’s Spirit. This prepares him and empowers God’s healing, hope, vision, and authentic love in and though him.
I think about the times I did not offer compassion or patience in my frustration, or the countless opportunities to love, help or heal that I have missed. In those moments I have been like the “foolish” ones that Jesus describes (above), lacking the necessary preparation and missing out on participating in God’s reign. I want to move in a different way, the wise way, the way that brings more of God’s love, joy, justice and beauty alive in the world.
As we prepare our covenant commitments for this Sunday, I remind us to engage in the contemplative preparation, the silence and sounds that nurture us to be ready to go and shine, people, shine!
Love,
Pastor Michael Bush
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