A WORD FOR TODAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*STAY WISE AND BE READY AT ALL TIMES*

_“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise."(Matthew 25:1-2)_

_*The gospel reading of today presents us with this parable that teaches something good about how to be ready for the coming of the Son of man.*_

_A distinction is made about the five wise virgins and the other five who were foolish. Their foolishness comes from the fact that they had their lamp going for the wedding, but they had no oil in it, but the wise had both as they went._

_*A true disciple of Jesus is bound to have both as he or she journeys through life. You must be wise and you must be ready at all times, because the son of man will come at am hour you do not expect.*_

_The oil in our lamp must be holiness of life which must make our light to keep shining brightly at all times. When we fail to live uprightly and righteously, we shall love in darkness and the devil will use us for his honour._

_*We must not be foolish and keep walking the journey of life unprepared and without oil in our lamps. We must strive after holiness of life and those attitudes and behaviour that will help us to grow in good and detest everything evil.*_

_If you fail to prepare and be ready, you are simply preparing to fail. Heaven is the goal, Jesus is the bridegroom we are waiting to receive, He will come at an hour we do not expect, therefore, we must strive to have extra oil by righteous living, constant meditation on God's word, prayer and works of charity._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a great day. May Jesus give you the grace to have extra oil in your lamp as you wait for Him. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8/Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,10-12/Matthew 25:1-13

*Watch-Word:* Watch at all times, praying that you may be able to stand before the Son of man.

_*Do not get distracted, stay focused and keep striving to be ready for the coming of the son of man.*_

(Friday of the twenty first week in the ordinary time. Year.)

*©ï¸ Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*