If tomorrow was your last day on Earth, how would you live it differently?
Wis 6:12-16; 1 Thes 4:13-18; Mt. 25: 1-13
Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
Story: A young man applied for a job as a farm hand. When asked for his qualifications, he said, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” — This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. — A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace. The farm implements had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn had been properly locked. All was well. It was then that the farmer grasped the meaning of the young man’s words, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” Because the farm hand had performed his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. Consequently, when the wind blew, he had no fear. He was able to sleep in peace. (Tim Zingale)
What does the bible say about being prepared for Jesus?
Mat 25: 13 “keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
1 Thes 5: 2 the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
2 Tim 4: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.
Mat 7: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…
Titus 2: 12 say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 9: 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time.
Revelation 16: 15 “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
12 FACTS & TRUTHS
ABOUT TODAYS GOSPEL OF THE TEN VERGINS
- Some have no sense of urgency & no sense of priority.
- Some are plain lazy.
- Some think they will have more time.
- Good intentions do not equal good actions.
- Some think that their preparations are not that important.
- Some think that their shortcoming will be overlooked.
- No one can make the preparations for you.
- There is such thing as too late. Last minute nothing works.
- Procrastination is a dangerous recipe. Punctuality is crucial.
- In life nothing is certain so don’t depend on others. Be punctual.
- Some things cannot be borrowed such as knowledge and faith.
Quotes for Pondering
Jackson Brown Jr., “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
Henry Ford, “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.”
John F. Kennedy, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”
“If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees!” – Vance Havner
Conclusion: Do you anticipate His return or do other things here distract you? If you knew that tomorrow was your last day on Earth, how would you live it differently?
