Be Ready to Wait.

 

Are you ready to join the party? That is the question our gospel asks us. Of course, there are some other questions that go with that – like when is this party? and what kind of party is it?

The answer to the second question is found in places like the beatitudes and the story of the sheep and goats.  This story of some street-wise and some not so street wise virgins is all about when the party is to be held. Mathew’s answer to all those who thought they knew (and had enough oil to last that long) was – the party will begin when the party begins, be ready to wait.

This is not the “sitting around having a snooze” kind of waiting that all the virgins do. This kind of waiting involves getting the world ready for this party. It involves seeing the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers as the most important people and seeking to become like them. There is a lot of work to be done.

Another answer is – the party has begun already. It’s been going awhile. It is going on everywhere God’s reign of justice and peace are breaking out. It is happening every time those listed above are esteemed and honour.

What kind of party do we think we are being invited to actively wait for? How do we respond to the invitation to join in?