Prompt 

God on Monday
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And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet, and the door was shut (Matthew 25: 10). 

Reflection

Imagine you are invited to an event at which you have a role to play. When you are at this event, you realize that there is something you need that is missing and you need to pop out for it. You hurry back, but you find that your moment in the schedule has passed. What would you feel like? Something similar happens in the parable cited above. Although the wise bridesmaids are all set and ready, the foolish bridesmaids are unprepared. 

Each day we have opportunities not only to encounter God but to be the vessels through whom other people encounter God for God comes into our everyday environments, as well as when Jesus returns. And God does not only use those with titles or from privileged backgrounds. God uses all those who make themselves available. But how prepared are we for this? 

The moments God chooses to use us to facilitate someone encountering God can seem very mundane, like being on the bus, in the supermarket, in the workplace, speaking to a neighbour, attending an event, or spending time with family or friends. However ‘ordinary’ these moments might appear, they can act as small but significant ‘epiphanies’ – moments of spiritual encounter and awakening. 

It is right to be agnostic about the timing and other details of the Second Coming. But Jesus ‘returns’ every time a heart turns back to God. Being prepared for all God’s interventions in human existence means we need to nurture a thriving relationship with God. We must not find ourselves left out in the cold.

Response

As you go about your day-to-day activity, stay alert for God’s promptings and follow them promptly. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you that you will one day return for your bride, the Church. Whenever that day comes, please help me prepare for your coming in and through the people I encounter today. Help me not to miss those moments. Unlike the foolish bridesmaids, may I not get diverted onto tasks made necessary only because I failed to follow your promptings earlier.

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment. 
 

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