“Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” (Matthew 25:8)

    Have you checked your oil lately?  I’m old enough to remember when gas stations had people who would offer to check your oil when stopping for gas.  I worked at a gas station when I was young, and that was a question I always asked.
    Evidently oil and gaskets and machines are much better than years ago.  It seems we rarely need to add oil to our cars and lawn mowers, etc.  But they still need oil to run!
     Likewise, we don’t have many lights that require oil.  Maybe an antique oil lamp, or a torch for backyard lighting and insect repellent.  Now it’s all about rechargeable batteries, electricity, and whether we have a good connection to the source of power.  But again, we need that source of light and power!
     Either way, Jesus is making a point in the parable He shares in this Sunday’s Gospel reading.  We need the “oil”, the fuel, the energy, the stuff that keeps things running.  And Jesus puts this need for oil to keep the lights on in the context of waiting.  Which for us is waiting for the return of Christ on the Last Day.  And Jesus specifically cautions us that no one knows when that will be; we just need to be ready.  
   The oil and light that keeps us ready for the return of Christ is the faith, hope and love that we have from God.  Yes, from God!  God provides us with all we need to be ready for Christ’s 2nd Coming.  He gave us His Son to give us salvation.  The Holy Spirit works faith and life in Christ.  
   If you look closely at the Parable in Matthew 25:1-13, it doesn’t say where the oil came from when the 10 were sent out.  But I suggest it was provided by the one who sent out the 10 bridesmaids.   Yes, the foolish were told to go and buy their oil.  But that is only after it was already provided for them. 
   God provides us with all need for this life, while waiting for the end of time.  And no one can buy what we all need:  faith and hope and love.  God gives it all to us!   In His Word and Sacraments, where the Holy Spirit will be working in and through us.  
   Have you checked your oil lately?  Do you need more?  Then go to God and you will find all you need for the faith and life we have in Christ.

Pastor Steve